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Luciano Spalletti’s Italy made a strong start to the new season after a disappointing UEFA Euro 2024, where the Azzurri were knocked out in the round of 16 by Switzerland, and they will face Belgium on Thursday in a huge clash with plenty at stake. Belgian team captain Thibaut Courtois decided to leave the national team after some disagreements with manager Domenico Tedesco, and they will be hoping to manage without their star in this match. Here’s how to watch the match and what you need to know:
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- Date: Thursday November 13 | Time: 2:45 PM ET
- Location: King Baudouin Stadium – Brussels, Belgium
- Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
- Chances: Belgium +130; Sign +230; Italy +190
Team news
Belgium: Romelu Lukaku is finally back in the side after the Belgian striker skipped the last international break to return to full form and will lead the attacking line, while winger Maxime De Cuyper could also play at wing-back against the Azzurri on Thursday.
Possible Belgium XI: Casteels; Debast, Faes, Theate, Castagne; Mangala, Onana; Bakayoko, Trossard, De Cuyper; Lukaku.
Italy: Spalletti called up Lazio’s Nicolo Rovella, who will start on Thursday and lead the midfield, while Inter’s Nicolo Barella will play behind striker Mateo Retegui, who had an incredible start to the season for Atalanta as he scored eleven goals in twelve Serie A matches competitions.
Possible Italy XI: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Buongiorno, Bastoni; Cambiaso, Frattesi, Rovella, Tonali, Dimarco; Barella; Retegui.
Prediction
Italy only needed a point and it looks like they can make that happen against Belgium. CHOOSE: Italy 2, Belgium 1.