Belgium v Italy

Belgium vs Italy Preview

Belgium currently occupy third place in Group 2 of the Nations League A ahead of this tough looking fixture on Thursday night against the group leaders Italy despite holding home advantage at their Stade Roi Baudouin after losing two of their last three games of the campaign.

Both defeats were handed out to the Belgians by local rivals France in home and away losses and although the Red Devils gained all three points with a 3-1 home win against Israel in their opening game of the group phase, the hosts have since fallen on hard times.

A 2-0 loss away from home and a 2-1 loss on home soil to Les Bleus were either side of a 2-2 draw away from home at Italy and now, returning back to home surroundings, Belgium will be looking for a result here on Thursday night in order to lift themselves out of the relegation play-off spot with a win here.

However, this may be easier said than done as Belgium have managed to capture just two wins within their last eight matches overall which were gained over the likes of Romania (in the Euro 2024 finals) along with the aforementioned victory against Israel.

Four defeats within this period though suggest the goals market may be a better option, especially as three out of Belgium's four games so far in this season's Nations League have resulted in both teams scoring.

After producing a disappointing showing in the Euro 2024 finals, Italy have staged a recovery in this season's Nations League as the Azzurri sit top of the Group 2 table where they hold a one-point lead over second placed France, but more importantly, a six-point cushion over their upcoming hosts, Belgium.

With just two matches remaining of the group stage, Italy know even just a point here at the Stade Roi Baudouin would guarantee Luciano Spallettti's side a place in the quarter-finals where they are likely to be joined by France from this group.

Despite losing to Spain and Switzerland along with being held to a draw by Croatia in the recent Euro 2024 finals, Italy have returned to form by picking up home and away wins against bottom placed nation, Israel, along with an opening and resounding 3-1 win away from home at France.

Having slipped to just two defeats out of their last 14 matches overall in all competitions whilst collecting eight wins along the way, Italy look to have a decent chance of getting something out of this upcoming encounter, and it's interesting to note that all four of Italy's group games have all resulted in both teams scoring as well.

Belgium v Italy Verdict

Five out of the last six meetings between Belgium and Italy have resulted in both sides scoring.

Therefore, our main bet will be BTTS Yes @ 1.72

Other side bets worth considering:

Draw @ 3.25

Correct Score: 1-1 @ 6.50