Italy vs Belgium Prediction and Betting Tips | 10th October 2024
Italy will host Belgium in Rome on Thursday, looking to consolidate their excellent start in the UEFA Nations League. Gli Azzurri bounced back from their dismal defense of the European crown this past summer by earning back-to-back wins in their opening Nations League fixtures against France and Israel.
Luciano Spalletti's men beat Les Bleus 3-1 thanks to goals from Federico Dimarco, Davide Frattesi and Giacomo Raspadori. They followed that up with a 2-1 win over Israel, and Italy are now sitting atop League A Group 2.
The successive wins have alleviated some pressure on Spalletti, who had come under much criticism following Italy's round-of-16 exit at the hands of Switzerland at the 2024 Euros.
Meanwhile, Belgium continue to navigate a woeful chapter that refuses to let up. Although they kicked off their Nations League campaign in September with a 3-1 win over Israel, Belgium were quickly cut down to size by France, who beat them 2-0 three days later.
The Red Devils' captain De Bruyne fired shots at his colleagues, bemoaning the lack of fighting spirit shown by his teammates.
De Bruyne and star striker Romelu Lukaku won't feature this international break though, as the former is injured and the latter is on a sabbatical from international duty to focus on his Napoli career [(as per La Gazetta dello Sport (via Football Italia)].
Italy vs Belgium Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- Italy and Belgium have clashed 24 times in the past. Italy have been the far superior side, winning 16 of those 24 meetings. Belgium have won four.
- Belgium have beaten Italy only once in the last six meetings between the two sides across all competitions.
- Italy have scored at least one goal in each of the last eight matches against Belgium.
- Belgium have won only one of their last four matches across all competitions.
- Belgium have failed to score in three of their last four matches.
Italy vs Belgium Prediction
Following De Bruyne's scathing remarks during the last international break, the Belgium camp ought to be low on morale. They are still trying to find the right combination as they navigate a transitionary phase of sorts.
But make no mistake, Belgium have a talented squad that's good enough to give any side a proper challenge.
However, their Thursday opponents Italy seem to be getting back on track and they should be able to get a narrow win here.
Prediction: Italy 2-1 Belgium
Italy vs Belgium 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