Thursday's Nations League match predictions, betting odds and tips: Azzurri can advance

When to bet

Kick-offs from 7.45pm Thursday

Best bets

Italy draw no bet
7.45pm Thursday
1pt Evs BoyleSports

Norway draw no bet
7.45pm Thursday
1pt 8-11 BoyleSports, Hills

Thursday's Nations League predictions

Group A2 leaders Italy need to a point to clinch a place in the Nations League quarter-finals and they can claim all three in their clash with third-placed Belgium in Brussels.

The Italians have taken ten points from four matches, including a superb 3-1 triumph away to France, although their only blemish came in last month's 2-2 draw at home to Belgium, when they squandered a two-goal advantage.

However, Belgium's fightback was made easier by a 38th minute red card for Lorenzo Pellegrini, which occurred when the hosts were two goals in front.

Aside from that comeback the Belgians have largely struggled.

They suffered a pair of losses to France – 2-0 in Lyon and 2-1 in Brussels – and claimed their only victory when defeating Israel 3-1 in neutral Hungary.

Domenico Tedesco's side still have a slim chance of a top-two finish but their chances of beating Italy are not helped by injuries to key players.

Kevin De Bruyne heads a long list of absentees which also includes Thomas Meunier, Jeremy Doku, Charles De Ketelaere and Youri Tielemans.

And Belgium's midfield options could be further reduced as Chelsea's Romeo Lavia is rated a fitness doubt.

Italy's squad looks a lot healthier and the only area of obvious weakness is the central striker's position where they lack world-class talent.

However, the Azzurri are the section's top scorers with 11 goals and they have every chance of racking up their fourth win in five games.

Group B3 is set for a thrilling finish with Norway, Austria and Slovenia locked together on seven points.

Only two of them can qualify for the Nations League quarter-finals and Norway can secure their passage by defeating the Slovenians in Ljubljana.

The last few years have been a frustrating period for Norway, who have struggled to make the most of their most talented generation of players.

However, Stake Solbakken's side were 3-0 winners at home to Slovenia last month and they can complete a double over the former Yugoslav territory, whose two Nations League victories have come against basement boys Kazakhstan.

Click for free bets and betting offers from the Racing Post

Commercial notice: This article contains affiliate links. Offers are handpicked and come from operators our experts have first-hand experience of. Opening an account via one of these links will earn revenue for the Racing Post, which will be used to continue producing our award-winning coverage of horseracing and sports betting.