The Albany Gazette - Italy seek Nations League consistency as Germany continue rebuild

Luciano Spalletti's Italy crashed out in the last 16 at the Euros in a dire defence of their title, but the Azzurri responded to that failure by winning in France and beating Israel to begin the Nations League in September.

On Thursday Italy return home to take on a Belgium side missing the injured Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, who again asked to be left out in order to focus on regaining full fitness.

"He was transferred very late to Napoli (in August). Now even if he's playing he's not feeling at a top level, so he asked for this camp at least to work individually in Naples," said Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco, who was born in Italy.

Spalletti still expects a stiff challenge from Belgium, who also disappointed in Germany this summer and exited in the first knockout round.

"Belgium is a good test, a strong team," said Spalletti. "A good team that plays good football."

"It could be tough," he added. "I want to see the confidence, a team that works well together liked it showed in September."

After this week's game in Rome, Italy will move north to Udine for the visit of Israel, who are without a point in Group A2 and unable to play at home due to the security situation in the Middle East.

Israel play France on neutral ground in Budapest as Les Bleus begin life without Antoine Griezmann, who retired from international duty last week.

Griezmann's decision to quit is further confirmation that an era has come to an end for the French side that won the 2018 World Cup and reached the final four years later in Qatar.

"I think everyone would have preferred to know during the last gathering (in September) for a proper farewell," said France defender Ibrahima Konate.

Hugo Lloris, Raphael Varane and Olivier Giroud have all since moved on too, while captain Kylian Mbappe will not be risked against Israel or Belgium after a recent thigh problem.

- Injury-hit Germany -

Germany have been hit by a raft of withdrawals ahead of matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Netherlands, as goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is set to miss the rest of the season.

The Barcelona star ruptured a knee tendon and will replaced by the uncapped Oliver Baumann, with Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala also sidelined and Niclas Fuellkrug still plagued by an Achilles strain.

Germany and the Netherlands drew 2-2 in Amsterdam last month and both sit on four points in Group A3, which also includes Hungary.

European champions Spain host Group A4 leaders Denmark and Serbia, while Portugal hope to extend their perfect record in Group A1 as they travel to Poland and Scotland.

England take on Greece at Wembley in a clash of the top two in Group B2 on Thursday before heading to Helsinki to face Finland three days later.

Captain Harry Kane has received the all-clear from England's medical staff after going off in Bayern Munich's 3-3 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt at the weekend.

Georgia, who impressed on their major tournament debut at the Euros, play Ukraine in Poland and then host Albania after winning their opening two fixtures in Group B1.

Erling Haaland is set to captain Norway for their games with Slovenia and Austria with Martin Odegaard not yet ready to return from a twisted ankle sustained playing for his country a month ago.

Haaland, the Premier League's top scorer with 10 goals this term, will go up against Slovenia striker Benjamin Sesko, who leads all players so far with four goals in the Nations League.

(S.Perez--TAG)