Decisive quarter-final showdown: Belgium vs Italy prediction
Wins over Turkey and France have kept Belgium and Italy in contention in the UEFA Nations League. Now the two sides will meet on 15 November 2026 at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels. Italy lead League A Group 1 with ten points, while Belgium are just one point behind. The hosts need a win to reach the quarter-finals, while a draw will be enough for the visitors.
Belgium: win over Turkey keeps play-off hopes alive
Belgium endured a difficult October, capped by a heavy 4-1 defeat to France. Mark van Bommel’s side conceded four goals in the final 15 minutes, but managed to regain their confidence in the next round. The Red Devils came from behind to beat Turkey 2-1 away, after Arda Güler’s early goal.
Kevin De Bruyne and Charles De Ketelaere found the net, while goalkeeper Senne Lammens made several crucial saves. Belgium can also call on Roméo Lavia, who has returned from suspension, for the clash with Italy. Romelu Lukaku is still short of full fitness, so De Ketelaere is likely to lead the line again.
Italy: win over France moves them closer to the quarter-finals
Italy have hit impressive form under Roberto Mancini. After opening with a 2-0 defeat to Belgium, they beat Turkey 4-1, drew 1-1 with France and then defeated Turkey again, 3-1. In the previous round, the Azzurri beat France 3-1 to move to the top of the group.
Francesco Pio Esposito was the star of their latest outing, scoring twice. The forward has already netted nine goals in 14 appearances for the national team and is expected to lead the attack in Brussels. However, the visitors will be without Davide Frattesi, as well as several other players, including Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Moise Kean. Despite those absences, Italy still have a strong enough squad to compete for a positive result.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Belgium have earned nine points in five Nations League matches, recording three wins and two defeats
- Italy are unbeaten in four consecutive matches, winning three of them
- In their previous meeting, Belgium beat Italy 2-0 away from home
The visitors can hold on to a top-two spot: Belgium vs Italy prediction
Belgium have home advantage and must go for the win, which could open the game up. The hosts’ defence remains vulnerable, particularly against teams with a strong attack.
Italy head into this decisive clash on the back of a convincing win over France and are capable of exploiting the spaces Belgium leave behind. Given both teams’ attacking threat and the stakes involved, a draw with both sides finding the net looks likely.
