UEFA Nations League: Belgium vs. Italy – quarterfinal spot at stake

Italy is back. Don’t ask us how, don’t ask us why, but somehow, the Azzurri have managed to find their way back to the top of the football elite. Let’s just hope we’re not jinxing them. And now, Roberto Mancini’s men are just 90 minutes away from booking their place in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals.

Italy travel to Brussels this Sunday to face Belgium in the sixth and final matchday of Group A1. The equation is simple: the Azzurri need just a draw to qualify, while the Red Devils have no choice but to win if they want to keep their Nations League campaign alive.

Not bad for a team that looked far from convincing at the beginning of the competition. Not bad for a team desperate to earn back some respect after missing out on the last three World Cups. Italian football has hit rock bottom in recent years, but the Azzurri are finally showing signs of life.

There is, however, one little detail Belgium will be hoping everyone remembers: the Red Devils already beat Italy 2-0 in Rome on opening matchday. This time, though, the Azzurri arrive with momentum, confidence and a completely different feeling around the national team.

Italy are suddenly looking like Italy again

Roberto Mancini’s side heads into the final matchday at the top of Group A1 with 10 points, following an impressive 3-1 victory over France at San Siro.

The Azzurri have gone four consecutive matches without defeat in the group, and their latest performance was perhaps the clearest sign that Italian football might finally be getting back on track.

Pio Esposito was one of the protagonists against France, scoring twice in a performance that has only strengthened his reputation as one of the most exciting young forwards in the country. Davide Frattesi also found the net, while established figures such as Gianluigi Donnarumma and Nicolò Barella continue to provide the experience needed to guide this new generation.

Italy are no longer simply trying to survive the group. Somehow, they have become one of its favorites to advance.

There is some bad news for Mancini, however. Frattesi suffered a muscle injury against France and will miss Sunday’s encounter. Issiaka Doumbia could get the opportunity to step into midfield, with Sandro Tonali and Barella expected to play important roles.

The good news? Italy don’t necessarily need to win. A draw will do just fine. And if there is one thing the Azzurri know how to do, it is making a match unnecessarily complicated before somehow finding a way to get the job done.

Belgium have no choice but to attack

Belgium, meanwhile, arrive in third place with nine points, just one behind Italy. The Red Devils kept their qualification hopes alive with a 2-1 comeback victory over Turkey away from home, but now comes the real test.

There is no room for calculations, no time to check other results and certainly no reason to play it safe. Van Bommel’s team needs three points.

A victory would allow Belgium to leapfrog Italy and secure a place in the quarterfinals. Anything less could mean the end of their Nations League adventure.

Jérémy Doku will once again be one of Belgium’s biggest weapons after playing a key role in their 2-1 victory over Turkey, where he provided an assist. His pace, dribbling ability and willingness to take defenders on could cause plenty of problems for an Italian defense that will likely prefer to keep things compact.

Kevin De Bruyne and Charles De Ketelaere will also be crucial, particularly if Belgium manage to take control of possession and force Italy to defend deeper.

However, the Red Devils will be without some important names. Thibaut Courtois and Zeno Debast remain unavailable, leaving Van Bommel with some adjustments to make at the back.

There is also a familiar face for Mexican football fans in the Belgian squad: Hugo Cuypers. The Monterrey striker could provide another attacking option from the bench as Belgium look for a way to break down Italy.

Belgium vs Italy predicted lineups

Belgium (4-3-3): 
Senne Lammens;
Timothy Castagne, Nathan Ngoy, Brandon Mechele, Maxim De Cuyper;
Kevin De Bruyne, Nicolas Raskin (or Roméo Lavia), Youri Tielemans;
Diego Moreira (or Dodi Lukébakio), Charles De Ketelaere, Jérémy Doku

Italy (4-3-3): 
Gianluigi Donnarumma;
Michael Kayode, Giorgio Scalvini, Alessandro Bastoni, Riccardo Calafiori;
Issiaka Doumbia, Sandro Tonali, Nicolò Barella;
Sebastiano Esposito, Francesco Pio Esposito, Nicolò Cambiaghi.

Hooligan prediction: Belgium 1-2 Italy

Belgium have the home advantage and absolutely everything to play for, which makes them dangerous opponents. But Italy have found their rhythm at just the right moment, and their recent victory over France should give them plenty of confidence.

The Azzurri also have the luxury of knowing that a draw is enough, although we wouldn’t put it past them to make things stressful for their supporters anyway.

Our pick? Italy win 2-1, finish the group on top and march into the quarterfinals.

Italy is back. Somehow, someway, the Azzurri are back.