Italy vs Belgium Tips & Predictions – Azzurri to Win in the UEFA Nations League
Despite a strong track record—nine wins in eleven matches over the past ten months—Italy's single poor showing resulted in missing the 2026 World Cup. Looking ahead, confidence is high for Italy to rebound swiftly, especially with Roberto Mancini debuting as manager. The team's recent consistency suggests that they are well positioned for a return to winning ways, making a solid case for backing them in their forthcoming fixtures.
- Roberto Mancini was reappointed as the Italian head coach
- We are backing them to emerge victorious in his debut match
- Check our full preview for Italy vs Belgium in the Nations League
Italy will be motivated to earn their first victory in Roberto Mancini's second tenure. I will back them to outrun Belgium who have a lot of veterans on their roster.
- Key Stats
- Azzurri Dominate H2H
- New Era Begins for Italy
- Red Devils Had a Good Run at the WC
- Team News & Predicted Lineups
Key Stats
- Italy have won 9 of their last 11 matches.
- Italy have won 4 of their last 5 matches against Belgium.
- Belgium have lost 4 of their last 5 matches (UEFA Nations League).
Azzurri Dominate H2H
Italy have won 17 out of 26 head to head matches, while Belgium claimed just four victories. Five encounters ended without a winner.
New Era Begins for Italy
Italy have missed three consecutive World Cups which marks one of the darkest eras in the history of their national team.
After not so great results in the qualifiers, they made it to the playoffs, defeated Northern Ireland 2-0 at home in the semifinals, then lost to Bosnia & Herzegovina on penalties (1-1 in regular time where Alessandro Bastoni was sent off in the 41st minute).
Gennaro Gattuso stepped down from the national coach position immediately, while the team was led by Silvio Baldini in June friendlies, Azzurri beating Luxembourg 1-0 and Greece 1-0.
Roberto Mancini was appointed as the new coach in late July and this will be his debut match. This will be his second tenure, the first one being from 2018 to 2023 (led Italy to the EURO title in 2021).
Red Devils Had a Good Run at the WC
Even though their opening few games were not looking promising, Belgium made it to the World Cup 2026 quarterfinals which is considered a good result considering their generational change.
The Red Devils were on the edge of elimination in the Round of 32, being behind by two goals against Senegal but pulled a miraculous comeback to win 3-2 in extra-time.
Next, they outclassed the hosts USA 4-1 before losing to later winners Spain 2-1, conceding just before stoppage time.
Rudi Garcia was not offered a contract extension earlier this summer and Mark van Bommel was appointed as his replacement.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Italy (3-5-2) Gianluigi Donnarumma; Alessandro Bastoni, Riccardo Calafiori, Giovanni Di Lorenzo; Matteo Ruggeri, Nicolo Barella, Sandro Tonali, Samuele Ricci, Andrea Cambiaso; Francesco Pio Esposito, Moise Kean
Federico Dimarco, Bryan Cristante, and Manuel Locatelli were out of contention due to injuries, while Alessandro Bastoni serves a suspension. Youngster Francesco Pio Esposito is expected to lead the frontline alongside Moise Kean.
Federico Dimarco, Bryan Cristante, and Manuel Locatelli were out of contention due to injuries, while Alessandro Bastoni serves a suspension. Youngster Francesco Pio Esposito is expected to lead the frontline alongside Moise Kean.
Belgium (4-2-3-1) Koen Casteels; Timothy Castagne, Wout Faes, Arthur Theate, Maxim De Cuyper; Youri Tielemans, Orel Mangala; Johan Bakayoko, Kevin De Bruyne, Leandro Trossard; Lois Openda
Jeremy Doku, and Amadou Onana are struggling with injuries and will miss this and other UNL clashes. Thibaut Courtois is unavailable due to personal reasons. Matz Sels and Axel Witsel withdrawn from the national team after the WC 2026.
Jeremy Doku, and Amadou Onana are struggling with injuries and will miss this and other UNL clashes. Thibaut Courtois is unavailable due to personal reasons. Matz Sels and Axel Witsel withdrawn from the national team after the WC 2026.
Verdict
Italy have had just one poor performance in the last 10 months, winning nine of their last 11 games, but were punished for it by missing out on the 2026 World Cup. I will back them to return to winning ways in Roberto Mancini's debut.
Italy Win
Full-Time Result
@6/5 - 2 Units
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With a particular love for the English Premier League, he's been writing about sports online for more than a decade since completing a degree in literature and sports journalism.
The primary areas of focus include top European football leagues (mainly EPL, La Liga, Serie A & Bundesliga), basketball (EuroLeague, NBA & WNBA), Handball and Volleyball.
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