Belgium
- Belgium have won two and lost three of their last five matches.
- Belgium are third with six points from their opening four fixtures and will have to find a way to overtake Roberto Mancini's men, who have been more consistent.
- Their home form in the competition has been a win and a loss so far, which doesn't give much of an edge to the hosts here.
Italy
- Italy have won three, drawn one and lost one of their last five games.
- Italy are currently second in the group with seven points from four games.
- The Italians, who have had a good run of late with three wins, one draw and one defeat in their last five, can be tough to beat with Mancini's 4-3-3 system that is as happy to sit in a 4-1-4-1 formation and counter-attack.
Head-to-Head
- The head-to-head record between these two is level at one win each and one draw in the last three encounters.
- Belgium did beat the Italians 2-0 away last time the two sides met in the group.
Key Players
- They also have some goal power in Francesco Pio Esposito, who has four goals in Italy's last five, with defender Alessandro Bastoni, who has one in one for Italy in this group, leading the way.
- Belgium also have an in-form striker in Dodi Lukebakio, who has one goal in two matches for the national team in UEFA Nations League A, Group 1 2026 and can be a big threat on the break.
- De Bruyne will always create opportunities and Charles De Ketelaere has three of Belgium's nine goals in their last five fixtures.
Betting Insights
- The Red Devils are 2.18 to win this Sunday's matchup at Koning Boudewijnstadion while Italy are available at 2.78, which seems a bit harsh on the Azzurri considering they are currently second in the group with seven points from four games.
- But under 2.5 goals at 2.14 also fits the bill as the stakes will be high and the matchup could get a little tense.
Prediction
- Belgium are slight favourites with the bookies for this weekend's crucial UEFA Nations League A, Group 1 2026 matchup with Italy, but there is enough evidence to suggest the Red Devils may be able to nick the game.
- Belgium's high-press game should work well against a patient Italy side, and that could suit both teams to score and Belgium to win as the home team can nick the win.
- The game should be close again, but Belgium have enough quality to just edge it.
