How Belgium could line up against Italy

Following a nightmarish second-half implosion on Thursday night, Belgium must fight it out only for third place in the UEFA Nations League, as they meet finals hosts Italy on Sunday.

As the Red Devilsˈ ambitions of a first senior international trophy were ended by a stunning French comeback, head coach Roberto Martinez is poised to rotate his squad with preparations for next year's World Cup foremost in his mind. Aiming to bounce back immediately with a victory over the European champions, Belgium are expected to include a handful of their next generation, which will soon replace the talented old guard. Serie A-based pair Alexis Saelemaekers and the uncapped Arthur Theate may be given some minutes in Turin, while Charles De Ketelaere and Wolfsburg winger Dodi Lukebakio are also contenders to feature.

Veterans Thomas Meunier, Dries Mertens, Christian Benteke and Thorgan Hazard were not called up this month, and another senior Red Devil, captain Eden Hazard, is also set to be sidelined after suffering an injury during the defeat to France, which saw him withdrawn near the end of the game.

Therefore, Lukebakio should join Leandro Trossard in support of Michy Batshuayi, as former Serie A star Romelu Lukaku has been denied a chance to renew his fascinating rivalry with Giorgio Chiellini due to muscular soreness, which has caused him to withdraw.

Meanwhile, in midfield, Hans Vanaken is expected to replace Youri Tielemans, and Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne may also be rested.

Belgium possible starting lineup: Mignolet; Alderweireld, Boyata, Vertonghen; Saelemaekers, Vanaken, Witsel, Carrasco; Lukebakio, Batshuayi, Trossard

> Click here to see how Italy could line up for Sunday's Nations League encounter