Belgium host Italy at the Stade Roi Baudouin in a crucial UEFA Nations League clash on Thursday evening. The Red Devils come into this match looking to bounce back after a narrow 2-1 defeat to France in their previous Nations League outing. Meanwhile, the Azzurri arrive in Brussels in good form, having dispatched Israel 4-1 in their last fixture. Both European heavyweights will be eager to claim three points in what promises to be a tactical battle between two sides with rich footballing traditions.
Where to watch Belgium vs Italy live online and on TV
UK viewers can catch Belgium vs Italy live on Premier Sports Extra or UEFA TV. Both channels are broadcasting the match across Great Britain.
Find the best predictions for Belgium vs Italy
The bookies are giving a fairly balanced outlook for this heavyweight clash between Belgium and the Azzurri, though no specific odds have been provided. Given both sides' pedigree in international football, bookmakers appear hesitant to declare a clear favourite, suggesting this could be a tightly contested affair between two of Europe's footballing powerhouses. The Red Devils' home advantage could play a crucial role in how the betting markets shape up, though Italy's tournament experience and tactical prowess means they can never be underestimated. Without concrete odds being shared, it's difficult to pinpoint exactly how the bookmakers are leaning, but the match promises to be a proper tactical battle between two sides who know their way around major competitions.
Belgium Recent Matches
The Red Devils have been experiencing a rather challenging period in their recent outings, particularly struggling against their French rivals. Belgium have managed just one win in their last six matches, a comfortable 3-1 home victory against Israel in the Nations League. Their encounters with Les Bleus have been particularly frustrating, suffering three consecutive defeats against the French side across different competitions. Despite showing some resilience in their 2-2 draw away to Italy, Belgium's defensive frailties have been evident, conceding multiple goals in several matches. Their attacking prowess hasn't quite been at its usual standard either, failing to find the back of the net in three of their last six fixtures. The goalless stalemate against Ukraine in the Euros and their recent defensive struggles suggest the Belgian side are going through a transitional phase, trying to find their feet against top-tier opposition.
Italy Match Balance
The Azzurri have shown remarkable resilience on their travels lately, putting together an impressive run in the Nations League with just one defeat in their last six away fixtures. The Italians have been particularly potent in front of goal, notching up three brilliant away victories, including a stunning 3-1 triumph against Les Bleus in France and a professional 2-1 win in Israel. However, their Euro Cup campaign ended on a slightly sour note with a penalty shootout exit to Croatia following a 1-1 draw, and a subsequent 2-0 defeat to the Swiss. Despite these setbacks, Italy's recent away form in the Nations League suggests they've turned a corner, displaying both attacking flair and defensive solidity. Their ability to find the back of the net consistently on foreign soil has been particularly noteworthy, with the team averaging two goals per match in their last four away fixtures.
Belgium against Italy: matches and results
The head-to-head record between Italy and Belgium tells a rather one-sided tale, with the Azzurri dominating this fixture in recent meetings. The Italians have emerged victorious in three of their four encounters, showcasing their superiority both home and away with one win on home soil and an impressive two victories on Belgian turf. The most recent clash, however, saw a shift in the pattern as the teams shared the spoils in a thrilling 2-2 draw in the UEFA Nations League. Belgium's Red Devils have struggled to assert themselves in this matchup, failing to register a single win against their Italian counterparts. Despite their golden generation of players, Belgium have come up short both at home and away, managing only to break their losing streak with that recent draw. The head-to-head statistics paint a clear picture of Italian dominance, with the Azzurri proving to be something of a bogey team for the Belgians in recent years.
Updated Standings: Belgium vs Italy
Since no specific standings positions are provided for either Belgium or Italy, I cannot generate a meaningful summary of their current standings situation. To create an accurate summary, I would need their current positions in their respective competitions or group standings.
