Belgium vs Italy Predictions

Belgium vs Italy predictions and tips. Italy, requiring just a point to clinch a UEFA Nations League quarter-final spot, face Belgium on Thursday as League A Group 2 nears its conclusion. Read on for our free betting tips and predictions.

Nations League | Nov 14, 2024 at 7:45pm UK at Stade Roi Baudouin

Belgium vs Italy Predictions

Can Belgium Defy the Odds Against an In-Form Italy in Brussels?

• Italy’s Impressive Nations League Run: Italy have only conceded twice across four matches, securing three wins and one draw. Their solid form leaves them top of Group 2 with ten points, needing just a draw to advance.
• Belgium’s Recent Struggles: Belgium’s recent form is a concern, with just one win in their last six outings across competitions. A mixture of injuries and suspensions has left them with a depleted squad, which has hindered their performances significantly.
• Romelu Lukaku’s Goal Drought: Lukaku hasn’t scored for Belgium in four consecutive matches, his longest drought since 2018. His recent form adds uncertainty to Belgium’s attacking potential against an Italy side that has been resolute defensively.

Our Tips

As the Nations League group stage reaches its climax, Italy and Belgium face off in a fixture heavy with implications. For Italy, the objective is straightforward: avoid defeat and progress to the quarter-finals, carrying their momentum into the knockout rounds. Belgium, however, find themselves in a desperate situation. Only a win will keep their hopes of advancing alive, placing considerable pressure on their underwhelming Nations League campaign thus far. With an array of injuries plaguing Belgium, Italy could have the upper hand, though a wounded team like Belgium might be unpredictable under these circumstances. The Stade Roi Baudouin is set to host an intriguing battle, as both sides aim to end their group phase on a high.

Best Bet: Italy -1 to Win

The top wager for this clash is Italy -1 to win, a bet that aligns well with the Azzurri’s strong form and Belgium’s struggles in recent months. Italy’s campaign has been bolstered by impressive performances, particularly their victories over Israel and their stunning comeback against France. Since adopting Luciano Spalletti’s more proactive tactics, the Italians have been dynamic, showing resilience and consistency throughout the Nations League matches. Their scoring potential has been enhanced by players like Mateo Retegui, who has netted in key moments and looks primed to exploit Belgium’s shaky defence.

Belgium’s problems are many. Despite possessing immense talent, the relationship between coach Domenico Tedesco and some senior players appears strained, and with absences of star players such as Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans, the team is left without their usual creative spark. The injury list is long, and while Lukaku’s return offers some hope, his four-match scoring drought for Belgium raises concerns. Belgium’s form is worrying, as they’ve managed just one win in their last six outings across competitions. A narrow victory over Israel aside, they’ve shown vulnerability, particularly at the back, conceding with alarming regularity.

Furthermore, Italy’s defensive organisation and solid record in the Nations League underscore why they are favourites to win convincingly. Although the Italians haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last seven matches, they’ve compensated by scoring freely and maintaining control in midfield. Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Barella, both key players in Spalletti’s setup, will aim to dictate the pace and exploit any gaps in Belgium’s disjointed formation. With Belgium facing significant disruptions in their lineup, Italy -1 offers good value, particularly given that Belgium’s shaky defence could easily allow Italy to establish a two-goal cushion.

Italy’s consistency on the road is also notable, as they’ve won both of their Nations League away fixtures this cycle. This track record, combined with Belgium’s current instability, makes Italy -1 a compelling choice. Spalletti’s side know what’s at stake, and they seem prepared to capitalise on Belgium’s weaknesses to extend their Nations League journey.

“With Italy’s form on the rise and Belgium hampered by absences, the Azzurri are well positioned to make a statement in Brussels. Expect a confident Italy to push hard for a decisive victory.” — Herrin Kendrick, BettingTips4You.com expert.

Correct Score Prediction: Italy 3-1 Belgium

Given Italy’s attacking prowess and Belgium’s defensive woes, a 3-1 scoreline in favour of the Azzurri looks a plausible outcome. Italy have shown they can score against well-organised teams, as evidenced by their recent results. Retegui’s form and the creative midfield support he receives suggest that Italy should find the net multiple times, especially with Belgium likely to press forward aggressively, opening up opportunities for Italian counterattacks.

Belgium, for all their difficulties, should still be able to find the back of the net. Lukaku, despite his recent drought, remains a formidable forward with a strong track record against Italian teams at the club level, and his knowledge of Italian defenders might give him a slight edge to get on the scoresheet. However, Italy’s cohesion and tactical edge should see them dominate the match, and with Belgium forced to play for the win, they’re likely to leave themselves exposed at the back, allowing Italy to seal the game with a convincing margin.

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