Belgium host Italy in a high-stakes UEFA Nations League group stage decider at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on Sunday with kick-off set for 7:45 pm GMT (available to watch live via Amazon Prime Video’s pay-per-view service for £2.49).
Italy Lead Group A1
Italy head into the final matchday sitting at the top of Group A1 with 10 points due to their superior goal difference over France.
France also hold 10 points. Roberto Mancini’s side secured their position after a 3-1 victory against France at the San Siro.
Francesco Pio Esposito scored a brace. Davide Frattesi added a third following an early goal by Michael Olise.
Belgium Chase Qualification
Belgium sit closely behind in third place with nine points. They defeated Türkiye 2-1 after coming from behind with goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Charles De Ketelaere.
A win would guarantee Italy top spot. A draw is enough for the Azzurri to reach the quarter-finals while ending Belgium’s qualification hopes.
Belgium can secure a top-two finish by defeating the Azzurri. A victory for Mark van Bommel’s men combined with a French win against Turkey would leave the Red Devils in second place.
If Belgium fail to win, they will finish third in Group A1. When these sides previously met at the Stadio Olimpico in September, Belgium came out on top with a 2-0 scoreline featuring Mika Godts’ first goal for the country and a strike from Dodi Lukebakio.
Van Bommel Prepares Squad
Belgium head coach Mark van Bommel described the encounter as a high-pressure knockout match as his team fights for a quarter-final berth.
Romelu Lukaku will be involved against Italy. Van Bommel kept his starting status under wraps.
He’s always important, whether he starts or comes on as a substitute.
Mark van Bommel, Belgium head coach
Van Bommel said Lukaku is a player with a lot of experience. It is a good thing to have him in a full stadium.
Scalvini Discusses Teammate De Ketelaere and Injury Absences
Italy defender Giorgio Scalvini shrugged off fixture congestion and fatigue as the Azzurri prepare for the fixture. Scalvini will face his Atalanta club teammate Charles De Ketelaere on the pitch.
Scalvini said Charles De Ketelaere is an exceptional talent. He said he is a somewhat uncommon striker given his proficiency in holding up the ball, alongside his strong abilities in dribbling and exploiting open spaces.
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Italy are without Nicolo Cambiaghi. He returned to his club due to an ankle problem sustained against France.
Italy are also missing and Davide Frattesi due to a muscular injury after netting his 10th goal for La Nazionale. Roberto Mancini said he was proud of his squad’s position ahead of the Brussels clash. Mancini said the Azzurri are missing Giovanni as well.
“Since I arrived, I have always seen good things. I was expecting this and I was positive despite the defeat (to Belgium) in the first game. I liked the reaction, there were things that made me confident” Roberto Mancini told Sky Sport in Italy.
Being here, fighting for qualification in this group, with France and Belgium, is already a source of pride.
Roberto Mancini, Italy coach
Italy Honors Heysel Tragedy Victims Before Brussels Kick-Off
Upon touching down at the King Baudouin Stadium, the players and coaching staff of Italy are set to honor the memories of those who lost their lives in the Heysel tragedy of 1985. Coverage begins at 7:35pm GMT ahead of the 7:45pm GMT kick-off in Brussels, which corresponds to 8:45pm local time in Belgium and Italy.
