Several Key Clashes Await in the UEFA Nations League
Germany is gearing up for a highly anticipated showdown against their fierce rivals, the Netherlands, in the UEFA Nations League on Monday evening. This match is considered the highlight of this international break
The two teams previously drew 2-2 in Amsterdam last month, and both have four points in Group C, which also includes Hungary.
However, Germany, currently undergoing a rebuild, faces significant challenges due to injuries. The squad has been hit by several withdrawals ahead of their matches against Bosnia and the Netherlands. One of the most notable absences is goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, who is sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a knee tendon injury sustained with Barcelona. Ter Stegen will be replaced by Oliver Baumann, who awaits his debut for the national team.
Other key players missing include Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala, while striker Niclas Füllkrug is still recovering from an Achilles tendon issue. Left-back David Raum, a regular under young coach Julian Nagelsmann, is the latest to be sidelined. In response, Nagelsmann has called up Fiorentina’s Robin Gosens, marking his return to the national squad after a long absence.
Italy Faces a Tough Test
Italy is looking to continue its recovery and put the disappointment of losing the UEFA European Championship title behind them. After promising results—a 3-1 away win against France and a 2-1 victory over Israel at the start of their UEFA Nations League Group B campaign.
The Azzurri are set for their first home match, hosting Belgium in Rome on Thursday. Italy aims to capitalize on Belgium’s weakened squad, with star players Kevin De Bruyne out due to injury and Romelu Lukaku opting to focus on regaining fitness.
Despite these setbacks for Belgium, Italy’s coach, Luciano Spalletti, expects a tough game against the Red Devils, who are seeking to recover from a disappointing group-stage exit in this summer’s European Championship.
After the clash in Rome, Italy will head north to Udine to take on Israel, a team yet to earn any points. Israel will play France on neutral ground in Budapest due to ongoing security concerns in the Middle East.
France, beginning their campaign without retired star Antoine Griezmann, will be without several other key players.
Griezmann’s retirement marks the end of an era for France’s 2018 World Cup-winning squad, with other notable players like Hugo Lloris, Raphaël Varane, and Olivier Giroud having also stepped down. Coach Didier Deschamps has indicated that he won’t risk playing captain Kylian Mbappé, who is recovering from a thigh injury, in matches against Israel or Belgium.
Elsewhere, European champions Spain will face Group D leaders Denmark and Serbia, but they’ll be without Euro 2024 standout Nico Williams, who is sidelined with injury. This adds to Spain’s growing list of absentees in this round.
Portugal, meanwhile, will look to maintain their perfect record in Group A as they travel to face Poland and Scotland.
In Group B of League B, England will take on Greece at Wembley Stadium on Thursday in a top-of-the-table clash, before heading to Helsinki for a matchup with Finland three days later.
England captain Harry Kane has been cleared to play after sustaining an injury during Bayern Munich’s 3-3 Bundesliga draw with Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend.
Germany’s match against the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League will be exciting, even with key players like Marc-André ter Stegen missing. Italy is also preparing for tough games against Belgium and Israel, with both teams missing some star players. For fans in Lebanon, Betway is the top choice for online betting, offering a safe and easy platform. Whether you’re betting on Germany or Italy, Betway is the best online betting site in Lebanon.
