Nations League Matchday 3 Live: Italy Host Belgium as England Welcome Greece
Spalletti targets Group A2 command in Rome. Carsley side returns to Wembley. Portugal already through.
Why this match matters
The continental window accelerates into high gear on Thursday evening with ten UEFA Nations League fixtures kicking off simultaneously across Europe. With Roberto Martinez’s Portugal having already clinched their quarterfinal berth in Group A4 thanks to a 4-0-0 record, other heavyweight nations are under pressure to follow suit before domestic leagues restart on Saturday 10 October.
What actually happened
The undisputed glamour tie of the night unfolds at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, where Luciano Spalletti’s Italy host Domenico Tedesco’s Belgium in Group A2. The Azzurri dazzled during the September international break with back-to-back victories over France (3-1 in Paris) and Israel (2-1 in Budapest), showcasing a fluid tactical setup built around Federico Dimarco and Sandro Tonali. Belgium arrive in Rome needing at least a point to keep their quarterfinal hopes alive.
In Group B2, England return to Wembley Stadium to face Greece. Under interim manager Lee Carsley, the Three Lions displayed devastating attacking form last month, crowned by a 7-0 victory against Croatia in Rijeka. Ivan Jovanovic’s Greece have also collected early points and represent a disciplined defensive hurdle. Concurrently in Budapest, France take on Israel looking to rebound in Group A2.
What happens next
Results from tonight’s fixtures will shape the qualifying landscape heading into Sunday and Monday’s Matchday 4 slate. Meanwhile, Premier League players know that domestic action resumes on Saturday 10 October with Manchester City defending their perfect 15-point haul at the summit.
Sources
Every score and ranking on this page is locked to a named source. If it is not here, it is not on the page.