The UEFA Nations League is an international football competition held every two years in which the European men's national team competes. Portugal won the inaugural tournament in 2019. The champions of the four groups in the second edition, Italy, Belgium, France, and Spain have qualified for the semifinals. EURO 2020 champion Italy will face Spain in the first semifinal on Thursday (October 7) at 12.45 p.m. (BST). One day later, Belgium will confront France in the second semifinal on Friday (October 8) at 12.45 p.m. (BST). The previews of the Nations League semifinals are discussed in this article.
Favorites to reach the UEFA Nations League 2021 Final
1st Semi-Final (Italy vs. Spain)
Venue: San Siro Stadium, Milan | Date: August 7 | Time (BST): 12.45 am
Verdict: Italy 2-1 Spain
The first semi-final of Euro 2020 featured Italy vs Spain. Italy won the final 4-2 on penalties thanks to goalkeeper Donnarumma's individual brilliance. Therefore, football fans may get a sense of déjà vu as this match approaches. Italy will have a little advantage over Spain in terms of strength in the Nations League semi-final encounter. This is because Italy set a new world record last September by being undefeated in 36 consecutive matches under Coach Roberto Mancini. So, Spain will find it difficult to beat them. Though they have a number of talented players. Spain will be able to beat Italy if they can play together as a team with the proper plan.
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Italy’s starting XI (probable)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK), Giovanni Di Lorenzo (RB), Giorgio Chiellini (CB), Leonardo Bonucci (CB), Emerson (LB), Manuel Locatelli (MF), Jorginho (MF), Marco Verratti (MF), Federico Chiesa (MF), Moise Kean (FW), Lorenzo Insigne (FW)
Spain’s starting XI (probable)
Unai Simón (GK), Pedro Porro (RB), César Azpilicueta (CB), Aymeric Laporte (CB), Sergio Reguilón (LB), Sergio Busquets (MF), Sergi Roberto (MF), Koke (MF), Rodri (MF), Ferran Torres (FW), Pablo Sarabia (FW)
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2nd Semi-Final (Belgium vs. France)
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Turin | Date: October 8 | Time (BST): 12.45 am
Verdict: Belgium 3-2 Spain
Belgium were eliminated from Euro 2020 after losing to Italy in the quarterfinals. On the other hand, France were defeated by Switzerland in the Round of 16. So, both teams will be eager to reach the UEFA Nations League 2021 final. Both sides are equally strong in terms of squad strength. France have three of the best players in the world in the attacking third. On the other side, Belgium's midfield is presently rated among the best in the world. The team that can outsmart the other team's tactics has a better chance of winning this contest.
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Belgium’s starting XI (probable)
Thibaut Courtois (GK), Thomas Meunier (RB), Jan Vertonghen (CB), Jason Denayer (CB), Timothy Castagne (LB), Axel Witsel (MF), Yannick Carrasco (MF), Kevin De Bruyne (MF), Eden Hazard (MF), Romelu Lukaku (FW), Michy Batshuayi (FW)
France’s starting XI (probable)
Hugo Lloris (GK), Benjamin Pavard (RB), Presnel Kimpembe (CB), Raphaël Varane (CB), Lucas Digne (LB), Paul Pogba (MF), Adrien Rabiot (MF), Aurélien Tchouaméni (MF), Antoine Griezmann (FW), Kylian Mbappé (FW), Karim Benzema (FW)
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Verdict
Based on the current form of the semifinalists, Italy and Belgium are the two favorites to advance to the UEFA Nations League 2021 final. However, both Spain and France have very strong squads, and it wouldn't be surprising if they beat their respective opponents in the semifinals and proceed to the championship match. Neutral football fans will anticipate the top two teams to go to the final, in which they will compete in an entertaining match. The final match of the tournament will be staged at the San Siro stadium in Milan.
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