Pellegrini: ‘Italy seeking continual improvement’ in Nations League | OneFootball

Lorenzo Pellegrini is looking for ‘continual improvement’ when Italy face Belgium in the Nations League this evening and hopes Roma fans put club issues aside for one night.

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

The Azzurri started this Nations League group with a big 3-1 victory in France, then beat Israel 2-1 to open up a three-point cushion from the chasing pack.

“It’s a difficult match against a great team, even if they are missing some players. The journey we started last month with two good victories has just begun and we aim for continual improvement,” Pellegrini told RAI Sport.

Domenico Tedesco’s Belgium are missing Kevin de Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Amadou Onana, but start Atalanta man Charles De Ketelaere and could be using a three-man defence.

Pellegrini expects Italy-Belgium difficulties

“I think Belgium are well-organised, so it is going to be very difficult. When you are tactically well-drilled, you can overcome individual absences. We are on home turf and eager to do well, as Italy deserve success.”

Not only have Belgium lost their last three meetings with the Azzurri, but they haven’t won a competitive meeting since May 1972, managing one draw and four defeats.

That May 1972 fixture was a European Championship play-off 2nd leg, after the first leg had ended 0-0.

Pellegrini has come in for a lot of criticism from Roma fans this season, especially after the dismissal of Daniele De Rossi.

He is at the Stadio Olimpico again this evening, but with Italy fans in the crowd who should put club interests aside. What are Pellegrini’s thoughts playing in this atmosphere?

“My thoughts are to do well for the Nazionale, because it is an honour to represent Italy, be part of this squad and work with the coach.”