Prediction: Italy vs Belgium
September 22, 2026 ·
Italy and Belgium will face each other in a Nations League match, with both teams aiming to start their campaigns well. Italy are looking to bounce back from their latest World Cup disappointment, while Belgium are looking to build on last summer's success.
Prediction: Italy vs Belgium
According to Soccernews.
Background
Italy and Belgium are two strong teams in Europe who have a long history in international competitions. Italy, who are now under pressure to return to winning ways, will rely on the experience of players like Donnarumma and Tonali. Meanwhile, Belgium, led by new coach Mark van Bommel, will hope to build on their good form from the World Cup to achieve success in the Nations League.
Why this is important
This match is very important for Italy and Belgium to start their Nations League campaigns well. Italy is looking to bounce back from World Cup disappointment, while Belgium is looking to continue its positive momentum after reaching the quarter-finals. The results of this match can have a big impact on the confidence and season outlook of both teams.
Main Points
- Prediction: Italy vs Belgium.
- Italy and Belgium will face each other in a Nations League match, with both teams aiming to start their campaigns well.
- Prediction: Italy vs Belgium.
Two European giants, Italy and Belgium, will kick off their Nations League campaigns on Friday night at the Stadio Olimpico, Rome. The first match of the group stage is highly anticipated, especially after both teams had mixed experiences at last summer's World Cup.
Italy, who suffered disappointment after failing to reach the World Cup for the third time in a row, are now under immense pressure to bounce back. After suffering defeat on penalties against Bosnia & Herzegovina on March 31, the Azzurri team is looking to start a new era under the leadership of Roberto Mancini. Despite having one defeat in the last 11 matches in all competitions, the pressure to bounce back quickly is enormous.
Italy Team News
One of the key players, Federico Dimarco, was forced to withdraw from the squad due to fitness problems, and AS Roma's Bryan Cristante was also unable to play due to a muscle injury. Captain Gianluigi Donnarumma, who currently plays for Manchester City, will lead his team in this match, earning his 84th international cap. Sandro Tonali, despite having a difficult time at Tottenham, is expected to start in midfield.
On the other hand, Belgium came into this match having reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup, despite losing 2-1 to new champions, Spain. However, they have plenty of positives to take home from their performance in North America. Under new coach Mark van Bommel, Belgium will hope to start their Nations League campaign well. In the last 19 matches, they have suffered only one defeat.
Belgium Team News
Romelu Lukaku, who recently moved to Fenerbahce, was included in van Bommel's squad. Kevin De Bruyne, now in his second season at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, is also expected to earn his 124th international cap. Romeo Lavia, who has impressed with Chelsea, will fill the midfield, while Manchester United's Senne Lammens will be in goal.
Key Factors for the Italy vs Belgium Match
- The last meeting between Italy and Belgium in the Nations League in November 2024 ended in a 1-0 win for Italy.
- Italy have not lost in their last five meetings against Belgium in all competitions (four wins, one draw).
- Belgium have suffered just one defeat in their last 19 matches in all competitions.
- Italy have not lost in 90 minutes of their last 11 matches in all competitions since June 2025.
- Five of Belgium's six World Cup games in North America have ended with both teams scoring.
Conclusion
After achieving a 1-0 win in the last meeting, Italy has a promising record against Belgium. Hoping to start their Group A adventure well, the Azzurri will be pushing hard for victory. However, despite their World Cup defeat, Belgium has many positive things from their performance and is expected to put up a tough fight. The prediction for this match is that both teams will score.
What happened next
After this match, Italy and Belgium will continue their Nations League group phase with the hope of achieving a good position. Italy needs to quickly find the right rhythm of play under coach Roberto Mancini, while Belgium is expected to use their experience from the World Cup to achieve positive results. This match will also be an opportunity for key players such as Gianluigi Donnarumma and Romelu Lukaku to show their abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Italy's latest performance ahead of the match against Belgium?
Italy have suffered one defeat in their last 11 matches in all competitions, but they are under immense pressure to recover after failing to reach the World Cup.
Are there any key Italian players absent from this match?
Yes, Federico Dimarco was forced to withdraw due to fitness problems, and Bryan Cristante was unable to play due to a muscle injury.
What is Belgium's latest performance before facing Italy?
Belgium come into this match having reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup with just one defeat in their last 19 matches.
What is the importance of this match for Italy and Belgium?
This match is the first match of the Nations League group stage, and is very important for both teams to start their campaigns well.
Who will lead the Italian team in this match?
Captain Gianluigi Donnarumma will lead the Italian team in this match.