Meridianbet Match Focus: Italy Vs Belgium Preview, Team News And Bet Boost
Italy and Belgium begin their 2026/27 UEFA Nations League campaigns on Friday when they meet at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
The League A Group 1 fixture kicks off at 20:45, with both teams starting a new chapter under recently appointed managers. France and Türkiye complete a competitive group that will see each side play four matches over the next two weeks.
Italy begin a new era
Italy are looking to rebuild after missing out on the 2026 World Cup.
The Azzurri finished behind Norway in qualifying before overcoming Northern Ireland in the play-off semi-final. Their campaign then ended in dramatic fashion when they lost a penalty shootout against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Roberto Mancini has returned as head coach, having previously guided Italy to European Championship glory in 2021. The experienced manager has also introduced several new faces to his latest squad as he begins preparing the team for the next European Championship cycle.
Italy won two post-season friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece, but Friday’s match will provide a much stronger test against a Belgium side packed with international experience.
Belgium face a demanding opening fixture
Belgium have also changed managers, with Mark van Bommel taking charge of the national team.
The former PSV, Wolfsburg and Antwerp coach replaced Rudi Garcia, who led Belgium to the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals before they were eliminated by eventual winners Spain.
Belgium had gone 18 matches unbeaten before that defeat and still have several experienced players available, including Kevin De Bruyne and record goalscorer Romelu Lukaku.
The Red Devils are gradually introducing younger players into the squad, with Paris Saint-Germain winger Mika Godts, Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia, Malick Fofana and Matias Fernandez-Pardo among the players who could feature.
Team news
Italy will be without Alessandro Bastoni through suspension, while Federico Dimarco, Bryan Cristante and Manuel Locatelli are unavailable due to injury.
Mateo Retegui has not been selected, leaving Moise Kean, Gianluca Scamacca and the Esposito brothers among the attacking options. Pio Esposito has made a strong start to his international career, scoring five goals in nine appearances since making his debut during World Cup qualifying.
Gianluigi Donnarumma is expected to captain Italy.
Belgium will be without goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who is taking a break from international football, while Mats Selz has also stepped aside. Senne Lammens, Mike Penders, Maarten Vandevoordt and Jari De Busser are competing for the goalkeeper’s position.
Andre Onana remains unavailable because of the long-term injury he suffered at the World Cup. Leandro Trossard is also sidelined, while Jeremy Doku has not been included after only recently returning to action.
Possible line-ups
Italy: Donnarumma; Kayode, Mancini, Scalvini, Calafiori; Barella, Tonali, Frattesi; Inacio, Pio Esposito, Raspadori.
Belgium: Lammens; Castagne, De Winter, Theate, De Cuyper; Tielemans, Lavia; Lukebakio, De Bruyne, Godts; Lukaku.
Meridianbet Bet Boost
Meridianbet’s Bet Boost for Italy v Belgium combines two selections:
- Both Teams to Score - Yes
- Total Goals - Over 2.5
The combined price has been boosted from 2.05 to 2.20.
Both teams have attacking quality, but the changes in the dugout could make this an unpredictable opening fixture. Italy may benefit from playing at home, while Belgium’s established attacking players could create problems at the other end.
The match could finish level, with a draw a possible outcome as both teams begin adapting to their new managers.
Odds are subject to change.
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