Belgium vs Italy Prediction and Betting Tips | 14th November 2024

European heavyweights Belgium and Italy will face off in a League A Group 2 encounter of the UEFA Nations League at the Stade Roi Baudouin in a 'clash-of-the-titans' encounter on Thursday. Italy only need a positive result against Belgium to qualify for the quarter-finals, while the Belgian Red Devils need all three points to remain in contention.

Belgium's latest Nations League outing ended in dismay, suffering a 2-1 loss at home to France during the last international break. It marked their third defeat to Les Bleus in four months in all competitions.

Domenico Tedesco's side have accrued just four points from their first four matches in League A Group 2 and their only win so far has come against Israel (3-1).

Belgium are currently on course for a relegation playoff and their League A status will hinge on how well they can weather the storm from here. To preserve their place among the elite, the Red Devils have to win against Italy on Thursday to keep their chances alive and then beat Israel in Hungary next week.

Meanwhile, Italy have been on a roll since their forgettable title defense at the Euros. They have picked up three wins in four matches and are yet to taste defeat in the Nations League this term.

They have already beaten France once and Israel twice and only need a draw against Belgium on Thursday to progress to the quarter-finals. Luciano Spalletti's renewed approach has been a breath of fresh air as far as Gli Azzurri are concerned and they should fancy their chances against Belgium.

Belgium vs Italy Head-to-Head and Key Numbers

Italy and Belgium have met 25 times to date. Gli Azzurri have won 16 matches while Belgium have been victorious in just four.
Belgium have won just two of their last 13 meetings against Italy across all competitions.
The Belgian Red Devils have picked up only one win in their last six matches in all competitions.
Italy's last loss came in the UEFA Round of 16 against Switzerland. The defending champions were beaten 2-0 by the Rossocrociati. Since then, Italy have picked up three wins and one draw.
Belgium have kept just one clean sheet in their last six matches in all competitions, whereas Italy have kept one in their last nine matches.

Belgium vs Italy Prediction

The Belgian camp has seen better days. Top stars like Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku, Thomas Meunier, Charles De Ketelaere, Malick Fofana, and Youri Tielemans are all unavailable. Italy are in slightly better shape but Belgium should give it a proper go on Thursday given what's at stake for them.

Both teams have struggled to shut out their opponents in recent times but given the form that the 2006 World Cup winners are in, it's hard to see them losing this one. Italy could capitalize on Belgium's desperation and earn a sneaky win here.

Prediction: Belgium 1-2 Italy

Belgium vs Italy Betting Tips

Tip 1: Result - Italy to win

Tip 2: Game to have over 2.5 goals - Yes

Tip 3: Both teams to score - Yes