Italy vs Belgium Predictions

Italy vs Belgium predictions ahead of this UEFA Nations League clash. Italy, leading League A Group 2 after a strong start in September, host Belgium in Rome for a UEFA Nations League clash on Thursday. Italy will aim to maintain their momentum at home. Read on for our free betting tips and predictions.

Nations League | League A | Oct 10, 2024 at 7:45pm UK at Stadio Olimpico

Italy vs Belgium Predictions

Will Belgium Spoil Italy’s Perfect Start in Rome?

• Italy’s attacking efficiency: Italy have averaged 2.5 goals per game in the Nations League, scoring five goals from just 11.5 shots per game. Their ability to convert chances into goals has been impressive, but will they find the same success against a disciplined Belgian defence?
• Belgium’s shot count: Despite missing key players, Belgium have averaged 17 shots per game in the Nations League. Their issue hasn’t been creating chances; it’s been turning them into goals, with only three from 34 attempts.
• Defensive frailties: Neither side has kept a clean sheet in their first two Nations League matches. Italy have conceded two goals while Belgium have conceded three, which suggests both teams may struggle to keep things tight at the back.

Our Tips

On Thursday night, all eyes will be on the Stadio Olimpico as Italy face Belgium in a UEFA Nations League showdown. Italy, with their impressive start to the competition, have taken control of Group 2. After wins against France and Israel, they are riding high and confident of extending their perfect record. On the other hand, Belgium arrive in Rome licking their wounds after a stinging defeat to France last month, and they’ll be desperate to put that right.

Luciano Spalletti’s men are looking revitalised after a lacklustre Euro 2024, where they stumbled in the last 16. Since then, Italy have turned things around quickly. Belgium, meanwhile, are in a more precarious position, with key absences and questions over their form and leadership. With both sides needing points for different reasons, this promises to be an enthralling encounter in the heart of Rome.

Best Bet for Italy vs Belgium: Draw

This fixture is balanced on a knife’s edge. While Italy have been superb in their opening two matches, Belgium cannot be entirely written off, despite their recent struggles. A draw seems like the safest bet for this one, and here’s why.

Italy are in the process of rebuilding their squad under Spalletti, and while the signs are promising, their defence hasn’t been entirely watertight. Their last two matches, though victories, showed a certain vulnerability. Against France, they conceded early and looked a bit shaky before rallying. And their 2-1 win over Israel was hardly a walk in the park. This suggests that while Italy have momentum, they might not be as invincible as some may think.

Belgium, despite missing talisman Kevin De Bruyne and striker Romelu Lukaku, still have talent within their ranks. Leandro Trossard and Lois Openda have the quality to unsettle Italy’s defence. Plus, Belgium’s 58.5% average possession in the Nations League suggests they are capable of dictating the pace at times. Their problem has been converting possession into clear-cut chances, especially with key players missing.

Domenico Tedesco is under pressure, and while that usually spells trouble for a team, it could also galvanise his squad. Belgium know they need a result here to stay competitive in the group, and they’ll likely set up more defensively to frustrate Italy. Belgium’s defence isn’t bulletproof either, but they’ve only conceded more than one goal in two of their last 13 games. A cagey affair feels inevitable.

Italy will be confident, but Belgium’s backs-against-the-wall mentality could lead to a tight, tactical game with little to separate the two sides. As BettingTips4You.com expert Luca Pratesi summarises: “Belgium may be down, but they’re not out. A draw here wouldn’t be a surprise given the key absences and Italy’s occasional defensive lapses.”

Correct Score Prediction: Italy 1-1 Belgium

Given that a draw seems likely, a 1-1 scoreline feels like the most plausible outcome. Italy have been scoring fairly regularly, averaging 2.5 goals per game in the Nations League so far. However, they will find it difficult to maintain that rate against a Belgian side that, while not flawless, has only conceded three goals in two matches.

Belgium, for their part, will have to rely on players like Trossard and Openda to create something in the absence of De Bruyne’s playmaking abilities. Openda, with his four goals in six Bundesliga appearances this season, looks the most likely to get on the scoresheet for the Red Devils. Italy’s defence, featuring Gianluca Di Lorenzo and Alessandro Bastoni, may be tough to break down, but Belgium’s pace in attack could cause some problems.

On the other side, Italy will likely look to Davide Frattesi, who’s been in fine form with two goals already in this competition, and Giacomo Raspadori to provide the firepower. A 1-1 draw seems a logical conclusion, with both sides finding the net but neither being able to land a knockout blow.

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