Belgium vs Italy prediction, probable line-ups and H2H – 26 May 2025
On May 26, 2025, at the Niko Dovana Stadium in Durrës, Belgium and Italy will clash in a UEFA U-17 European Championship group stage showdown. Here’s why betting on goals in this encounter looks promising.
Preview
In Group B of the U-17 European Championship taking place in Albania, we’re about to witness arguably the most tactically intriguing match of the final round. Belgium and Italy enter this head-to-head with the tournament math crystal clear: a draw sends both teams to the semifinals, a detail that could heavily influence both the style and intensity of play.
The Italians have looked impressive not just in their current form but throughout their tournament run. The Azzurri were flawless in qualification, leaving Croatia, Ukraine, and Slovakia behind, and in the final stage, they’ve already secured two wins: 2-1 over Czechia and 4-2 against England. Italy are playing mature, attacking football and are already seen as one of the tournament favorites alongside France and Portugal.
Belgium have also put together a quality campaign. In a qualifying group with Ireland, Poland, and Iceland, they went undefeated, finishing top. At this stage, the Belgians are pragmatic but effective—drawing England (1-1) and a confident 3-1 win over Czechia have earned them four points and a solid shot at advancing.
In terms of footballing quality, Italy have more attacking options and individual brilliance, but Belgium make up for it with organization and discipline. The key question: how willing are Belgium to risk top spot in the group, especially when a draw suits both sides and could lead to an unspoken “truce” on the pitch?
Still, youth tournaments rarely stick to the script. Individual ambitions, the lack of pressure, and the open structure of U-17 football can spark unexpectedly vibrant and uncompromising matches.
Probable line-ups
- Belgium: Maunganga, De Kimpe, Jonkers, Ghilen, Darkon, Da Silva, De Cat, De Vannemacker, Fernandes, Mitongo, Bisivu
- Italy: Nava, Fibonn, Idrisa, Bovio, De Paoli, Mambuku, Baralla, Steffanoni, Luongo, Inasiu, Arena, Campaniello
Match facts and H2H
- Italy are on a five-game winning streak.
- Belgium are unbeaten in their last 11 matches.
- The “both teams to score” bet has landed in Belgium’s last four games.
- Italy have seen “over 2.5 goals” in their last four matches.
- The last head-to-head ended in a 5-3 win for Italy.
- In two tournament matches, Italy have accumulated a combined 6.15 expected goals (xG).
- Belgium’s xG is much lower over the same span—just 3.24.
Prediction
This match is unlikely to be dull—both teams boast firepower up front and consistently find the net. Expect a high-scoring affair and back “both teams to score” at odds of 1.57.
