Italy face Belgium in the Nations League third-place play-off, a repeat of the Euro 2020 quarter-final, which the Azzurri narrowly edged 2-1. With the game being played in Turin, Italy will have home advantage, as they did in their defeat to Spain.
For Belgium, it’s another opportunity to finish a tournament in third-place, following the 2018 World Cup, where they were knocked out by eventual champions France. The Red Devils will be disappointed not to have made it to the final, letting a two goal advantage slip.
Here’s what you need to know about this clash…
What time is kick off? Thursday 10 October, 14:00 (BST)
Where is it being played? Juventus Stadium, Turin
TV channel? Sky Sports Football (UK), fubo TV (US)
Referee? Srdjan Jovanović (SRB)
VAR? Marco Fritz (GER)
Italy will be without veteran centre-back Leonardo Bonucci due to suspension after he received a red card for two bookable offences against Spain. Fellow Juventus man Giorgio Chiellini is likely to start alongside Alessandro Bastoni in the heart of defence.
Having opted for a strikerless lineup against Spain, Roberto Mancini may choose to bring in one of Moise Kean or Giacomo Raspadori as a focal point for his side. Preferred strikers Ciro Immobile and Andrea Belotti are both out of the squad due to injury.
Lorenzo Pellegrini was unfortunate not to make the squad for Euro 2020 – the Roma midfielder was sidelined through injury – however, he has picked up where he left off under Jose Mourinho in Serie A. His goal off the bench may be enough to convince Mancini he deserves a starting spot.
Belgium’s star man Eden Hazard is set to miss the clash against Italy, after having to be withdrawn against France due to yet another injury issue. Leonardo Trossard has impressed for Brighton in their tremendous start to this season and is likely going to be drafted in to the starting XI.
Club Brugge midfielder Hans Vanaken is also in with a shout of starting, having been brought off the bench to replace Tielemans against France. He has enjoyed a string of good showings in the Champions League this season, with his side currently second in a group that includes both PSG and Manchester City.
With Thorgan Hazard and Thomas Meunier missing from the squad altogether due to injury, Roberto Martinez is left a little short in regards to options for him to freshen the side, so it is more than likely we will see a similar XI to the one selected on Thursday.
It was Italy who prevailed in the last meeting between these two nations, edging a fiercly contested Euro 2020 quarter-final 2-1 thanks to goals from Nicolò Barella and Lorenzo Insigne.
If history is anything to go by, then again, it is Italy who have the upper hand, winning 14 of the 23 games played between the two countries. Belgium have won just four against the Azzurri.
From those four victories, only one has come in a competitive fixture – Euro 1972 – with the rest all coming in international friendlies.
Italy may just have lost their 37-match unbeaten streak – a remarkable world record – but they will be determined to show a reaction and begin a new streak.
Martinez conceded his side were too emotional in their clash against France, in which they fumbled a two-goal lead. While Lukaku is in red-hot form, the absence of Hazard will hurt the Red Devils.
Defensively, Italy have proven to be strong, while Belgium are better known for their attacking prowess. We’re expecting yet another tight battle between these two sides, but Italy’s home advantage may just carry them over the line on this occasion.
Prediction: Italy 2-1 Belgium
