Italy vs Belgium predictions: UEFA Nations League tips & 19/1 Bet Builder

A new era begins for Italy after yet another World Cup absence, and under the guidance of Roberto Mancini, they look to get their UEFA Nations League campaign off to the perfect start against Belgium in Rome.

A new man also takes the reins in the opposition dugout for the first time, as Mark van Bommel makes his bow as Belgium boss, so an unpredictable affair awaits at the Stadio Olimpico. The hosts arrive as favourites according to the latest odds, but with Belgium's strong recent form, the Red Devils travel to Italy well prepared to spoil the party.

Below, you can dive into our detailed Italy vs Belgium betting preview, with expert predictions, Bet Builder tips, and live odds.

Italy vs Belgium match details

• Fixture: Italy vs Belgium

• Competition: UEFA Nations League (Group A1)

• Date: Friday, September 25, 2026

• Kick-off: 19:45 BST

• Venue: Stadio Olimpico

Our prediction: Italy 1-2 Belgium

Italy vs Belgium predicted lineups

Italy

Our predicted XI (3-5-2): Donnarumma / Mancini, Bastoni, Calafiori / Di Lorenzo, Tonali, Barella, Fagioli, Zaniolo / Kean, Esposito

Belgium

Our predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Lammens / Castagne, Mechele, Theate, De Cuyper / Tielemans, Lavia / Lukebakio, De Bruyne, Godts / De Ketelaere

Italy vs Belgium Bet Builder

Ladbrokes share their Italy vs Belgium Bet Builder, which is coming in at 19/1 at the time of writing.

• Leg 1 - Over 2.5 total goals

• Leg 2 - Charles De Ketelaere 1+ shots on target

• Leg 3 - Riccardo Calafiori to be shown a card

• Leg 4 - Belgium to win

Over 2.5 total goals

Belgium love a high-scoring match, with all of their last four games featuring over 2.5 goals - and three of them featuring over 4.5 - so while we don't necessarily expect a goal-fest, we are predicting at least three goals on Friday night. Italy tend to be more reserved in their scorelines, with back-to-back 1-0 wins coming into this one, but as both sides look to impress their new managers, our experts are tipping attacks to come out on top.

Charles De Ketelaere 1+ shots on target

With Romelu Lukaku often forced to make an impact from the bench these days, we're tipping Charles De Ketelaere to lead the line for Belgium here, and he's our pick to have at least one effort on target. The 25-year-old scored three goals in five games at the 2026 World Cup, including one against eventual champions Spain, and averaged well over a shot on target per 90 in the process - so while he hasn't lit up Serie A this season, De Ketelaere to have 1+ SOT seems a decent option.

Riccardo Calafiori to be shown a card

Riccardo Calafiori has quickly become one of the world's most impressive defenders over the last year or so, but as we're predicting him to be playing in a slightly unfamiliar back three, we think he could pick up a card. The 24-year-old hasn't been booked since Arsenal's Community Shield win in August, but with a foul committed in three of his last four Premier League games, he can be caught out - which the likes of De Ketelaere and Dodi Lukebakio will be well aware of.

Belgium to win

With a handful of convincing wins in recent matches, Belgium have shown they can outscore any opponent, and as Italy look to find their feet after another disappointing year, we think the Red Devils could head home with all three points. One defeat since March 2025 proves just how strong Belgium can be, and despite their last victory over Italy coming back in 2015, Mark van Bommel's side boast a strength in depth that the Italians just can't match at the moment - so an away win is our pick.

View the latest UEFA Nations League odds here.

View the latest football odds here.

All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.