Sports Innovation previews the UEFA Nations League third place playoff between Italy and Belgium and offers team stats, betting tips and the latest odds.
Italy and Belgium lock horns at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday for the honor of a third-place finish in the UEFA Nations League.
The honeymoon period is over for Italy. The Azzurri have suffered a dip in form since winning Euro 2020 in the summer, having won only one of their last four games. A 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Nations League semi-finals on Wednesday ended hopes of two titles in a calendar year.
Belgium’s wait for a trophy with their golden generation, meanwhile, continues for another year. The Red Devils lost 3-2 to France in their own semi-final tie on Thursday.
Our tip
Facts and figures for Italy vs Belgium
- Total goals was UNDER 3.5 in Italy’s last 10 of 11 matches;
- Italy scored in the last 7 of 9 matches;
- Italy have not conceded in the last 4 of 6 matches;
- Italy scored the last 4 matches in a row at home.
- Belgium scored in the last 11 of 11 matches;
- Total goals was OVER 2.5 in Belgium’s last 6 of 8 matches;
- Belgium conceded in the last 6 of 8 matches;
- Both teams scored in Belgium’s last 6 of 8 matches.
Form Italy vs Belgium
Italy go into this encounter on the back of a miserable form in previous games. In their last 3 outings, Roberto Mancini’s side drew 0-0 with Switzerland before thrashing Lithuania 5-0. They lost 2-1 to Spain in their most recent match.
Despite their Nations League disappointment, Belgium have been in good form of late. In their last 3 games, Roberto Martinez’s side overcame the Czech Republic 3-0 before beating Belarus 1-0. They lost 3-2 to France in their previous match.
Italy v Belgium – Fixture history
The last time the pair played each other, Italy came away as 2-1 winners back in July 2021 in a match in Euro 2020.
At the time of writing, the bookmakers are offering the following prices on this encounter. A win for Italy pays out at 2.05, the best price for a draw is 3.60, while an away win for Belgium gets you odds 3.75.
Italy are able to put a winning total of 80% on display for their last 5 encounters against Belgium. The resulting total reads 4-0-1, with the latter winning 20%. The last 5 matches between these sides saw over 2.5 goals as the winning bet 3 times. Both teams to score paid out with the bookies 3 times in those 5 matches.
Man of the Moment
Moise Kean has been hitting the target on a regular basis, with Italy undoubtedly looking for their main goalscorer to strike again in their next match against Belgium. On the other end, the visitors will be without Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard. The pair have withdrawn due to concerns over their fitness. Therefore, the likes of Thorgan Hazard and Michy Batshuayi will need to step up.
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