Probable line-ups: Belgium vs. Italy | OneFootball

Italy are expected to use Nicolò Barella in a more advanced role to support Mateo Retegui, while Nicolò Rovella can get his debut against Romelu Lukaku’s Belgium.

The Nations League tie kicks off at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on Thursday at 19.45 GMT.

The Azzurri need only one point from the remaining two games to secure their spot in the quarter-finals.

Lorenzo Pellegrini was sent off in the 2-2 draw between these sides at the Stadio Olimpico last month, sparking the comeback for Belgium to get a point when 2-0 down.

The Roma captain is therefore suspended and Luciano Spalletti hinted in today’s press conference that Inter star Barella would be used in that hybrid role connecting midfield with attack.

Sky Sport Italia suggest that Lazio midfielder Rovella will be launched straight into the starting XI for his senior Italy debut, flanked by Sandro Tonali and Davide Frattesi, with Alessandro Buongiorno filling in for injured Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori.

Belgium’s forward Romelu Lukaku looks on during the International friendly football match between Belgium and Luxembourg at the Baudoin King Stadium in Brussels on June 8, 2024. (Photo by Kenzo TRIBOUILLARD / AFP) (Photo by KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP via Getty Images)

Belgium are forced to do without Kevin De Bruyne, Charles De Ketelaere, Jeremy Doku, Malick Fofana and Joaquin Seys.

However, they get Napoli striker Lukaku back for the first time since EURO 2024, as he had taken time out to regain full fitness at club level.

Maxim De Cuyper scored a sensational goal in the first meeting and could be used either as a left-back or in a more advanced role.

The alternative in the trio supporting Lukaku would be Sevilla’s Dodi Lukebakio, therefore dropping Timothy Castagne to the bench.

Probable line-ups: Belgium vs. Italy

Belgium (4-2-3-1): Casteels; Debast, Faes, Theate, Castagne; Mangala, Onana; Bakayoko, Trossard, De Cuyper; Lukaku

Italy (3-5-1-1): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Buongiorno, Bastoni; Cambiaso, Frattesi, Rovella, Tonali, Dimarco; Barella; Retegui

Ref: Petrescu (ROU)