Italy Prepares for Critical Nations League Clash Against Belgium

Italy‘s national football team, under the leadership of head coach Luciano Spalletti, is preparing for what he describes as a “crucial” match against Belgium in the UEFA Nations League. The fixture is set to take place at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Thursday.

Italy currently leads Group Two of the Nations League, having secured victories in their first two matches. Belgium, managed by Domenico Tedesco, shares three points with second-placed France, while Israel remains at the bottom with no points.

“We will immediately become a great team in every match where we are able to give the best of ourselves,” Spalletti stated during a news conference. Emphasizing the importance of the upcoming match, he confirmed that AS Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini would start the game.

However, Italy will be without key players Nicolo Barella of Inter Milan, due to injury, and Liverpool‘s Federico Chiesa, who is currently unwell. In a strategic move, Spalletti has included Monza‘s forward Daniel Maldini, son of Paolo Maldini, a legendary Italian international, in the squad. “He is the (kind of) player we were missing,” Spalletti remarked.

Despite Italy’s impressive Nations League form, the team faces pressure following their early exit from the Euro 2024 at the round of 16 stage, and their failure to qualify for the last two World Cups. Spalletti acknowledged the expectation placed on the team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup but cautioned against turning it into an obsession. “It is a tournament that has determined our history; it has made many people happy,” he said.

In a tribute to the late Salvatore Schillaci, a former Italy striker and star of the 1990 World Cup who passed away recently, the Italian football federation will hold a ceremony at the Stadio Olimpico before the game against Belgium.

Italy is set to field a probable 3-5-2 lineup, demonstrating defensive solidity and a strategic attack. Giacomo Raspadori and Mateo Retegui, the latter being in noteworthy form at Atalanta, will likely spearhead the Italian attack.

Belgium’s lineup, on the other hand, will see players like Charles De Ketelaere and Loïs Openda striving to compensate for the absence of prolific names such as Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian squad, experiencing a mixed run of form, will look to capitalize on the group match to improve their standing.

The Italian squad’s historical edge over Belgium, with 16 wins in 24 encounters, bolsters their confidence going into the match. Italy’s recent record also favors them, having won four of their last five meetings with Belgium.