Italy vs Belgium Preview, prediction, team news, lineups | UEFA Nations League 2026-27
The previous outing between these sides ended in favour of Gli Azzurri
The Italy national football team will be gearing up to take on the Blegium national football team for their opening game of the UEFA Nations League 2026-27. These countries will collide at the Stadio Olimpico.
Under their new manager, Roberto Mancini, the Italians will be ready for a new era. They will aim to become European champions next time around, but now is the time to build a solid squad. The Nations League is a perfect opportunity for them to give new players a chance as well.
The Italy national football team might even change their approach a little bit. It is going to be interesting to see their tactics moving forward. Being at home will surely be a big boost for them. There are nine new faces in the selected squad.
The Belgium national football team battled hard during the FIFA World Cup 2026, but lost to Spain in the quarterfinals. The squad have shown immense potential and will now be looking to take down the European opponents.
Mark van Bommel has now become the new head coach for the Belgian Red Devils and it will be interesting to see his approach towards the game. The squad consists of both experienced and young stars. Despite being away from home, they will be looking confident.
Kick-off:
Catch Every Update, Anytime, Anywhere
- Location: Rome, Italy
- Stadium: Stadio Olimpico
- Date: Saturday, September 26
- Kick-off Time: 12:15 AM IST (Friday, Sept 25; 06:45 pm GMT/ 02:45 am ET/ 11:45 am PT)
- Referee: TBA
- VAR: In use
Form:
Italy: L-W-L-W-W
Belgium: D-W-W-W-L
Players to Watch
Francesco Pio Esposito (Italy)
One of the main men in the final third for FC Internazionale Milano will now be gearing up to help the Italy national football team in the UEFA Nations League. In just nine appearances for his country, he has already scored five goals and will be looking to add more to his tally. Francesco Pio Esposito can be deployed both as a sole striker and a second striker if needed.
Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)
Kevin De Bruyne has once again had a chance to represent the Belgium national football team. He will be ready to help his side both in the midfield and the attacking front. The Napoli midfielder still knows how to create plays for his fellow teammates and is capable of scoring goals as well.
Match Facts
- Italy are on a two-match winning streak
- Belgium won three of their last four matches.
- Only one of the last five games between these nations ended in a draw.
Betting Tips & Odds
- Belgium to win @12/5 AK Bets
- Charles De Ketelaere to score @3/1 Paddy Power
- Goals under 3.5 @2/5 Unibet
Injury and Team News
Federico Dimarco has withdrawn from the Italy squad and Matteo Ruggeri has replaced him.
For Belgium, all of their squad members are fit and ready to be in action.
Head-to-Head
Matches played: 26
Italy (wins): 17
Belgium (wins): 4
Draws: 5
Predicted Lineups
Italy predicted XI (3-4-3)
Donnarumma (GK); Ghilardi, Bastoni, Scalvini; Di Lorenzo, Tonali, Barella, Calafiori; Zaniolo, Esposito, Cambiaghi
Belgium predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
Lammens (GK); Castagne, De Winter, Ngoy, De Cuyper; Lavia, Tielemans; Lukebakio, De Bruyne, Trossard; De Ketelaere
Match Prediction
Italy are still looking for permanent players for their squad, but being at home will be a confidence booster for them. Belgium are coming off a decent World Cup campaign and are going to five a tough fight to Gli Azzurri.
The Belgian Red Devils are likely to come out on top and secure three points.
Prediction: Italy 1-2 Belgium
Telecast Details
India: Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV
UK: Prime Video UK, S4C
Italy: RAI PLAY, Mediaset, Sky Italia
Belgium: VTM GO
USA: FOX Sports, FuboTV, ViX
When and where is Italy vs Belgium Nations League match?
The Stadio Olimpico is all set to witness this clash one September 25.
Where and how to watch UEFA Nations League 2026-27 live in India?
Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV can be used to view all the matches live.
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