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Europa League: Belgium vs Italy
Kickoff Time: 2024-11-15 03:45(HKT)
Source:REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini
Belgium suffered a 1-2 defeat at home to France in the last match of the UEFA Nations League, with the team managing only one draw and two losses in their last three games, showing a disappointing performance. With the aging of the “golden generation,” Belgium’s overall level has significantly declined, especially in the strength of their defense and midfield. In this current national team roster, Romelu Lukaku has made a return, but midfield core Kevin De Bruyne has once again been sidelined due to injury. Additionally, Charles De Ketelaere, Jeremy Doku, and Malick Fofana have all withdrawn from the national team training camp due to physical issues. Belgium’s tactical key lies in midfield control and counterattack efficiency, but with several core players in attack and midfield missing, the overall strength has diminished, making it difficult for them to achieve a favorable result in matches.
Italy achieved a resounding 4-1 victory over Israel in the last UEFA Nations League match, remaining unbeaten in their last four games with three wins and one draw, showing very strong form. Although Italy has missed out on the finals of the last two World Cups and faced setbacks in the final round of the 2024 European Championship, the team’s youth transition has produced impressive results. From their performance in this UEFA Nations League group stage, Italy has shown clear signs of revival. Notably, the stable performances of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and the rapid rise of defender Alessandro Bastoni have made Italy’s defensive system more solid. Furthermore, the return of Sandro Tonali, along with Nicolo Barella’s outstanding performance, has added diversity to Italy’s attack.
In their first encounter, Italy drew 2-2 with Belgium at home. In this rematch, Belgium is clearly at a disadvantage due to the absence of several key players, which affects their overall strength compared to the first match. Coupled with Italy’s recent impressive form and strong balance between attack and defense, it is evident that the hot-performing Italy deserves a higher level of expectation.
Belgium’s Last 5 Games: LDLWL
24-10-15 Belgium 1-2 France
24-10-11 Italy 2-2 Belgium
24-09-10 France 2-0 Belgium
24-09-07 Belgium 3-1 Israel
24-07-02 France 1-0 Belgium
Italy’s Last 5 Games: WDWWL
24-10-15 Italy 4-1 Israel
24-10-11 Italy 2-2 Belgium
24-09-10 Israel 1-2 Italy
24-09-07 France 1-3 Italy
24-06-30 Switzerland 2-0 Italy
Head To Head Record:
24-10-11 Italy 2-2 Belgium
21-10-10 Italy 2-1 Belgium
21-07-03 Belgium 1-2 Italy
16-06-14 Belgium 0-2 Italy
15-11-14 Belgium 3-1 Italy
Prediction: Italy to win or Draw