Tue Oct 15 02:43:46 UTC 2024: ## Italy Aims for Greatness in Crucial Nations League Match Against Belgium
**Rome, Italy** – Italy’s new coach, Luciano Spalletti, has declared that his team can reach great heights if they play to their full potential. He has also described Thursday’s upcoming Nations League match against Belgium as crucial for Italy’s chances of progressing in the competition.
Italy, currently topping Group Two after winning their first two matches, will host Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico before facing Israel on Monday. Belgium, tied for second place with France, and Israel, at the bottom of the group, pose a challenge for the Azzurri.
Spalletti emphasized the importance of the match against Belgium, saying, “It is a crucial match for our future.” He also confirmed that AS Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini will start the game.
Italy will be without injured Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella and unwell Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa. However, the squad will feature Monza forward Daniel Maldini, son of Italian football legend Paolo Maldini and grandson of Cesare Maldini, who represented Italy 61 years ago. Spalletti hailed Maldini as “the kind of player we were missing.”
The Italian team is looking to bounce back after their disappointing Euro 2024 performance and their failure to qualify for the last two World Cups. Spalletti stressed the importance of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, but cautioned against it becoming an obsession.
“It is a tournament that has determined our history, it has made many people happy,” he said.
Before the match against Belgium, a ceremony will be held at the Stadio Olimpico to commemorate former Italian striker Salvatore Schillaci, a star of the 1990 World Cup who passed away last month.
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