In the week of the ATP Finals, Italy can take inspiration from the talent and cold blood of Jannik Sinner to make the most of tomorrow evening in Brussels, the first of two match points for qualification to the quarter finals of the Nations League. Against Belgium, a draw would be enough to advance to the next stage, meaning that the match on Sunday against France would simply determine who will top the group. There must be attention paid to this clash though, because leaving the 'Stade Roi-Bauduin' unbeaten will not be easy. The Red Devils, compared to a month ago, will be able to rely on Romelu Lukaku, and will play knowing that their hopes for qualification lie with one result.  

"Playing well in these two matches - the words of Luciano Spalletti to Vivo Azzurro TV - would be a  confirmation of what we have shown in the previous matches: this consistency of behaviour, of self-esteem about the qualities that we have, about the conviction in our potential and our strength. In this sense these two results and the attitude that we are developing will be fundamental."

The Head Coach only had two training sessions to work with before leaving for Brussels, but he is satisfied with the work of the team: "The two days here have been great because I have seen important things. In this role, I have seen what I like to see from the players, I have seen players convinced in the qualities that they have, qualities that we can't wait to go and display in these two matches which can can give us a lot in the future". There were no give aways regarding the team that will take to the field tomorrow evening, but Spalletti has clear ideas: "By and large, I have already picked the team, there's always a doubt that accompanies you until the last moment. But, with two matches which are close together, it's normal to have this and everything falls into place as the game approaches." 

On 10 October, in Rome, it ended 2-2 between Italy and Belgium. A game of two halves, with the Azzurri 2-0 up after 25 minutes and pegged back by Tedesco's side after playing with ten men following the sending off of Lorenzo Pellegrini. "If I expect to see the same Belgium that we saw at the Olimpico? I expect to see the Italy side that we saw at the Olimpico - the Head Coach underlined - because I don't know what they'll manage to bring to the game, but, if we are the side that I have seen this morning and the last few games, it will be difficult for anyone to play against Italy". 

After the disappointment following the elimination from the last-16 of the European Championships, we have seen an unbeaten Italy side at the top of their group, in a short space of time. Spalletti, however, has never had doubts about the potential of the team: "I always expect us to be able to do big things in light of our work. If I didn't I would be underestimating the potential of these young players who should give us the push to once again become a very strong National Team." 

THE RETURN OF BARELLA. Four months after the defeat to Switzerland in Berlin, Spalletti can finally recall Nicolò Barella. "I've missed the national side - the Inter Midfielder admitted to the OTT platform of the FIGC - there are my teammates that I work with and have been working with for many years, it's like I have never gone away. Some of them, I have spoken to and some of them I have as teammates: I thank them and congratulate them for the brilliant performances they put in when I was not there. My last involvement with the national side wasn't the easiest in a mental sense, and they have shown great strength, and that this team is capable of doing very well. I will try to get myself into the side and give my contribution if the coach allows it". 

Barella has scored two of his ten goals for the National Team against Belgium, two goals which came in the quarter finals of EURO 2020 and in the third place play-off of the Nations League 2021: "I was speaking about them with my teammates today, they're one of my favourite sides to play against. Every match has its own story though, I'd obviously be happy if I can get another goal and put in a good display. But I repeat, the Coach makes the decisions and I will be ready at any moment". It's not possible to underestimate an opponent above Italy in the world rankings and that has been a top side in world football for many years: "We expect a difficult match, we mustn't let the first leg match affect us even if before the incident (Pellegrini sending-off), it was a match dominated by Italy. They are the home side and will have the desired to show how strong they are".  

SQUAD LIST 

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain), Alex Meret (Napoli), Guglielmo Vicario (Tottenham);
Defenders: Alessandro Bastoni (Inter), Alessandro Buongiorno (Napoli), Andrea Cambiaso (Juventus), Pietro Comuzzo (Fiorentina), Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Federico Dimarco (Inter), Federico Gatti (Juventus), Caleb Okoli (Leicester), Nicolò Savona (Juventus), Destiny Udogie (Tottenham);
Midfielders: Nicolò Barella (Inter), Davide Frattesi (Inter), Manuel Locatelli (Juventus), Niccolò Pisilli (Roma), Nicolò Rovella (Lazio), Sandro Tonali (Newcastle);
Forwards: Moise Kean (Fiorentina), Daniel Maldini (Monza), Giacomo Raspadori (Napoli), Mateo Retegui (Atalanta).