The Azzurri enjoyed a perfect September, securing two wins, including a standout 3-1 triumph over France in Paris. Despite falling behind early, Luciano Spalletti's side responded brilliantly.
Federico Dimarco equalised with a stunning volley, while Davide Frattesi and Giacomo Raspadori added decisive goals to seal a well-deserved victory for Italy. This was followed up by all three points against Israel.
These results have put them in a promising position to finish in the top two of their League A group, which would see them qualify for this year's new quarter-final stage.
Under coach Spalletti, Italy are seeking to bounce back after a disappointing Euro 2024, where they laboured to an early exit in the round of 16 against Switzerland.
Italian fans will be eager to see their team improve on last year's third-place finish in the competition and bring home the trophy this time around.
In contrast, although Belgium's campaign started positively with a win over Israel, it quickly unravelled after a 2-0 defeat to France.
Captain Kevin De Bruyne publicly criticised his teammates after the defeat, calling parts of their performance "unacceptable."
To make matters worse, both he and Romelu Lukaku are unavailable for international duty during the break, further intensifying the pressure on coach Domenico Tedesco.
With concerns about both his leadership and growing tensions within the squad, Tedesco faces mounting pressure to rebuild an ageing team, all while delivering results.
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Team News
Italy
Italy are without many of their preferred forward line with the likes of Federico Chiesa, Moise Kean and Gianluca Scamacca all sidelined by injury in both the short and long term.
Consequently, Spalletti remains committed to nurturing young talent within the squad, making it likely that AC Milan forward Daniel Maldini and Roma midfielder Niccolò Pisilli will feature at some point in the upcoming fixtures.
Belgium
With De Bruyne sidelined, Atalanta midfielder Charles De Ketelaere has the chance to step up and establish himself as the natural successor to the Manchester City star when he eventually relinquishes the No. 10 jersey.
Belgium will also be without Amadou Onana, who suffered a hamstring injury in Aston Villa’s historic win against Bayern Munich in the Champions League last Wednesday.
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Likely Lineups
Italy (3-5-2)
Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori; Bellanova, Barella, Ricci, Tonali, Dimarco; Raspadoir, Retegui.
Belgium (4-2-3-1)
Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Debast, Theate; Mangala, Tielemans; Lukebakio, De Ketelaere, Doku; Openda.
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Key Players
Sandro Tonali
Sandro Tonali has quickly readapted to the demands of professional football, continuing to shine for both club and country.
Following a 10-month betting ban, there were concerns about whether he would be able to rediscover his form at the highest level as quickly as he has, but an inspired assist against Israel last month and several determined performances for Newcastle have successfully silenced any doubters.
Tonali appears to be getting ever closer to the level that justified the £50 million fee Newcastle paid for his services last summer.
His vision and ability to execute clever first-time passes could be crucial in unlocking this Belgian defence.
Lois Openda
In the absence of Lukaku, Tedesco is likely to turn to the in-form Lois Openda to lead the line.
The centre-forward has already netted five goals across all competitions this season for RB Leipzig, helping the Saxony-based side keep pace with Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga title race.
In an interview with The Athletic at the start of the year, the 24-year-old clearly expressed his ambition to become a “top player,” and he appears to be well on his way to achieving that goal.
Italy's defence will need to stay sharp to contain one of Europe's hottest prospects this season.
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Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The match will take place in Rome at the Stadio Olimpico, Italy's home ground.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off is scheduled for 19:45 BST.
How can I watch?
The match is not available for broadcast in the UK.
