Italy takes on Belgium in a match for the 3rd spot in Nations League
Both teams were beaten to the final spot by France and Spain in their respective semi-finals.
Italy takes on Belgium in a match for the third spot in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday. The four-time World Champions were beaten by Spain and the world no.1 team Belgium were beaten by France after a stunning second-half comeback by the current world Champions.
Italy now hosts Belgium for the third spot but will have to play without captain Bonucci. The veteran center-half was sent off against Spain for a blatant elbow on Sergio Busquets. Meanwhile, Ciro Immobile and Moise Kean have been ruled out of the game through injuries. As a result, Giacomo Raspadori could get a start. Or else Mancini could go for a false 9 in Bernadeschi.
Meanwhile, Belgium could make some significant changes to their lineup after an energy-draining semi-final against France. The Red Devils were leading 2-0 at halftime. However, they threw away the lead to lose 3-2 against France. AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez blasted home France’s third in the 90th minute of the game.
The world’s number one national side lack grit when it matters the most. They lost in major matches at major tournaments when it mattered the most. Eden Hazard seemed to have picked up yet another injury in the match against France. Brossard is the ready-made replacement for the veteran winger. Alexis Saelemaekers and Arthur Theatre may be allowed to shine. Belgium played France 24 hours after Italy’s game against Spain. As a result, Belgium comes into the match with significantly less rest than the Italian side.
This could also be Roberto Martinez’s final tournament with Belgium. As the Spaniard is strongly linked with a move to Barcelona.