UEFA Nations League: Spalletti wary of Belgium threat

Luciano Spalletti is preparing for the clash against Belgium in the UEFA Nations League as they aim to top their group and qualify for the quarter-finals of the tournament.

As they prepare to face the talented, the manager plans a new role for Inter midfielder Nicolò Barella against the Red Devils.

Knowing their hosts’ attacking prowess, Spalletti said his men must defend using ‘preventative marking’ on Romelu Lukaku, and their objective remains to play good football.

The Nations League tie will be held at Thursday at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels. During their last meeting at the Stadio Olimpico last month, Italy lost a comfortably 2-0 lead as Belgium came back into the tie after  Lorenzo Pellegrini’s red card.

Pellegrini will sit out this match following that dismissal. This gives Spalleti an option to use Barella in the more advanced trequartista role behind the strikers.

Speaking on the likely new role the Inter Milan midfielder will play, the former AS Roma boss said Italy needs a player who can connect the midfield with the attack, change position with others, and have an attacking approach.

Spalletti, in his press conference, said Barella has all those elements alongside some players in the squad. This means Barella could be in the starting lineup tonight. 

Italy have a tough test on their hands. After facing Belgium on Thursday, they will play France on Sunday. They need one point from the final two games.

The coach also revealed that Gianluigi Donnarumma, who is just a yellow card from a suspension, will play, adding that he trusts his players and they will behave in the right way. 

Lukaku returned to the squad after his absence during the last international window. The Napoli striker is expected to lead the attack tomorrow, although his form for Napoli has been far from ideal.

Spalletti lauded their opponent, who has so many talents to pick from, adding that it doesn’t matter if someone is missing as another great player will take their place.

“Lukaku is particularly strong and will be a danger to our defense, but we must get accustomed to facing top opponents.

Italy’s rebuilding plan continues as Spalletti invites several new players into the squad. Pietro Comuzzo and Lazio midfielder Nicolò Rovella received their first call-up, while Manuel Locatelli of Juventus is recalled for the first time since he was left out of EURO 2024.

Spalletti pointed out that both Rovella and Locatelli are playing very interesting football,” noted Spalletti as their main role is winning back the ball and also improving in other aspects.

Since taking over as the manager, Spalletti has begun to transform Italy, especially after the disappointment in EURO 2024. He has been following the trend in Serie A for a three-man defense.

He further stated that players have exceptional motivation and great pleasure pulling on the jersey, whether they step onto the field or not.

Although Italy needs just a point from the remaining games, Spalletti is hesitant to say the objective is to win it and play good football.