Trying to keep momentum in the Nations League, Italy will look to remain in perfect form as they host Belgium. With two wins so far, including an impressive 3-1 victory over France, the Azzurri are aiming to win once again. Under new management with Luciano Spalletti, there were doubts before this campaign, but now, sitting atop Group 2 in League A, those doubts have been silenced.
Belgium, on the other hand, is facing some turmoil, and after inconsistent performances, things are not looking as they had hoped. Following a promising 3-1 win over Israel, they suffered a 2-0 defeat against France, leading to harsh criticism from captain Kevin De Bruyne. With both De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku stepping away from international duty, Belgium’s coach Domenico Tedesco faces mounting pressure to stabilize his squad and try to redeem their Nations League campaign. The Red Devils will need to overcome their struggles if they hope to keep pace with Italy.
Italy continues its squad overhaul under Spalletti, who has included several young, uncapped players like Daniel Maldini and Niccolò Pisilli. However, they will be missing key forwards like Federico Chiesa, Moise Kean, and Gianluca Scamacca due to injuries. Giacomo Raspadori is expected to lead the line alongside Mateo Retegui, while Nicolò Barella returns to the midfield after missing September’s matches.
Belgium will be without their top stars, as De Bruyne, Lukaku, and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois are all unavailable. Tedesco has called up Italy-based players like Charles De Ketelaere and Samuel Mbangula. Lois Openda is likely to start in attack, with Leandro Trossard back in the mix after being overlooked in previous fixtures.
Italy possible lineup: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori; Bellanova, Barella, Ricci, Tonali, Dimarco; Raspadori, Retegui
Belgium possible lineup: Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Debast, Theate; Onana, Tielemans; Lukebakio, Trossard, Doku; Openda
Norway enters Saturday's UEFA Nations League match aiming to build on their solid start in Group B. With four points from two games, they look to secure back-to-back victories after a 2-1 win over Austria last time out. Erling Haaland, who scored his 32nd international goal in that game, will once again lead the charge as Norway seeks to maintain their strong home record in the competition.
Slovenia is level on points with Norway and travels to Oslo hoping to extend their unbeaten run in the Nations League. After a 1-1 draw with Austria and a commanding 3-0 win over Kazakhstan, highlighted by a Benjamin Sesko hat-trick, Slovenia is poised to end a four-game winless away streak. Unbeaten in their last three encounters with Norway, they have history on their side.
Norway will be without captain Martin Ødegaard, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. Coach Ståle Solbakken may turn to Antonio Nusa to fill the gap, while Haaland remains the key goal threat with 13 goals in 12 Nations League appearances.
Slovenia is missing Sandi Lovrić and Tomi Horvat due to injury. However, with Jan Oblak in goal and Benjamin Sesko in top form, Slovenia will be confident of making an impact in Oslo.
Norway possible lineup: Nyland; Ryerson, Østigård, Hanche-Olsen, Wolfe; Myhre, Berg, Berge; Sørloth, Nusa, Haaland
Slovenia possible lineup: Oblak; Stojanović, Drkušić, Bijol, Janža; Iličić, Gnezda Čerin, Elšnik, Mlakar; Šeško, Šporar
