Italy vs Belgium Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds

Gli Azzurri have a perfect win record in their group.

2020 European champions Italy will return to action for their next UEFA Nations League tie against Belgium. It will be Italy’s first assignment of the October break and they will want to make it count. Gli Azzurri have had a dream start to their campaign.

They find themselves at the top of the table with two wins in two games. It includes a 2-1 win over Israel in their last outing.

Belgium on the other hand have won just one of their two games in the championship. They started their campaign with a 3-1 win over Israel before facing a 2-0 defeat to France in their last game. The Red Devils are currently placed third in their group with three points in hand. They will need nothing less than three points to move up the points table. 

Kick Off

Friday, 11 October, 12:15 AM IST

Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy

Form

Italy (in all competitions): W-W-L-D-L

Belgium (in all competitions): L-W-L-D-W 

Players to watch 

Mateo Retegui (Italy)

The Atalanta forward is one of the players to watch out for in the upcoming Nations League games. The 25-year-old forward comes into the international break on the back of a great run of form in the Serie A. Retegui has eight goal contributions in seven league appearances for Atalanta, including a hattrick and an assist in the last game.

Jeremy Doku (Belgium)

Doku will have to shoulder the goal-scoring and creative responsibilities for the Red Devils in the absence of Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne. The Manchester City forward has had a good season so far and has made the most out of the opportunities that he has had. Doku’s playmaking, ball distribution and ability to get past defenders with ease will come in very handy for Belgium. 

Match facts

• The last time Gli Azzurri lost a game against Belgium was back in 2015
• The hosts have found the back of the net in each of their last eight games against Belgium
• The Italian nation are ranked 10th while Belgium are ranked 6th in the latest FIFA rankings

Italy vs Belgium: Betting tips and Odds

• Tip 1: Italy to win – 19/20 by Betway
• Tip 2: Mateo Retagui to score anytime – 2/1 by Skybet
• Tip 3: Both teams to score – 4/5 by Betfair 

Injury & Team News

Italy are expected to have a fully fit squad available for selection.

Belgium will miss the services of Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku.

Head-to-head

Total Matches played – 24

Italy wins – 16

Belgium wins – 4

Draws – 4

Predicted Line-up 

Italy (3-5-1-1)

Donnarumma (GK); Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori; Dimarco, Ricci, Tonali, Frattesi, Bellanova; Pellegrini; Retegui

Belgium (4-2-3-1)

Sels (GK); Castage, Faes, Theate, Debast; Tielemans, Onana; Doku, Trossard, Lukebakio; Openda.

Prediction

Italy are the favourites coming into this fixture, thanks to their better run of form and superior head-to-head record against Belgium. Moreover, the Red Devils will be without their key duo of De Bruyne and Lukaku. So, we expect the hosts to maintain their perfect start.

Prediction: Italy 3-1 Belgium

Telecast Details

India – Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV

UK – ITVX, Premier Sports

US –  FOX Sports App, Fox Sports 2

Nigeria – SuperSport, DStv Now

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