2021-22 UEFA Nations League Third Place Final – Italy vs Belgium Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Italy vs Belgium taking place? Italy vs Belgium will take place on Sunday 10th October, 2021 at 14:00 (UK)
Where is Italy vs Belgium taking place? Italy vs Belgium will take place at Allianz Stadium in Torino
Where can I get tickets for Italy vs Belgium? Click here for the latest ticket information for Italy vs Belgium
What TV channel is Italy vs Belgium on in the UK? Italy vs Belgium will be televised live on Sky Sports
Where can I stream Italy vs Belgium in the UK? Sky Sports subscribers can stream Italy vs Belgium live on Sky Go
THE LOWDOWN
ITALY
- Italy’s record-breaking unbeaten run finally came to an end after 37 matches in the Nations League semi-finals as Roberto Mancini’s side were beaten by Spain in a game that saw centre-back Leonardo Bonucci sent off for two bookable offences.
- Georgio Chiellini was left on the bench in the semi-finals and could come into the starting line-up in Bonucci’s absence, whilst Domenico Berardi is also pushing for a start as Mancini will no doubt consider resting the likes of Federico Chiesa and Marco Verratti.
BELGIUM
- After blowing a two-goal lead at half time against France in their Nations League semi-final and ultimately losing by three goals to two, Belgium head into this game on the floor both physically and mentally.
- Boss Roberto Martinez will likely refresh his starting line-up and potentially give the likes of captain Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne a rest, with Club Brugge duo Charles De Ketelaere and Hans Vanakan both contenders to come into the side following their excellent club form so far this season.
THE TEAM NEWS
ITALY
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Chiellini, Emerson; Barella, Jorginho, Locatelli; Berardi, Raspadori, Insigne
UNAVAILABLE: Belotti (Injured), Bonucci (Suspended) Castrovilli (Injured), Florenzi (Injured), Immobile (Injured) Pessina (Injured), Spinazzola (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
BELGIUM
PREDICTED XI (3-4-3): Courtois; Alderweireld, Denayer, Vertonghen; Castagne, Tielemans, Witsel, T. Hazard; Vanakan, Lukaku, De Ketelaere
UNAVAILABLE: Doku (Injured), Mertens (Injured), Meunier (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
A match that neither of these two sides will want to be involved in, both Italy and Belgium will find it very difficult to motivate themselves heading into this one, making the contest a difficult one to call. The last time these two collided was in the quarter-finals of EURO 2020, which saw the Azzurri emerge 2-1 winners. Both teams will likely be significantly different in personnel here, but another entertaining encounter between the two is in prospect when taking into account the lack of jeopardy that comes with a third placed final. With that in mind, an end-to-end battle looks on the cards and backing both teams to score, as was the case in the two semi-finals looks very much the smart play.
