UEFA Nations League Semi-Finals Announced

The draw for the UEFA Nations League semi-finals have been announced, with Italy taking on Spain and Belgium set to face France in next year's knockout-style finals.

The first semi-final tie between Italy and Spain will take place on 6 October 2021 at San Siro (Milan), while Belgium and France will meet the following day on 7 October 2021 at the Allianz Stadium (Turin).

Once the semi-final ties have been completed there will be a third-placed playoff between the two losing sides on 10 October 2021 in Turin, while the final will be held on the same day in Milan.

World champions France are unbeaten in this edition of the tournament having picked up five wins and one draw from their Group A3 fixtures. Italy also boast an unbeaten record from Group A1, recording three wins and three draws.

Of the other two finalists, Belgium and Spain both endured a defeat each in their respective groups. La Roja only just qualified for the finals at the expense of Germany, while Belgium were comprehensive winners of their group containing England, Denmark and Iceland.

Despite Italy's unbeaten record in this edition of the competition, Spain hold the advantage of the Azzurri when it comes to previous clashes between the two nations. In their 33 meetings Spain have emerged victorious 12 times while Italy have won just nine. The last time the two countries met was in 2017 when Spain romped to a comprehensive 3-0 victory.

As for the other semi-final, surprisingly it's Belgium who hold the upper hand in clashes between themselves and France. The Red Devils have 30 wins compared to France's 25, though Les Bleus' recent record in the pair's clashes offers plenty of optimism, having been beaten just twice in their previous 12 encounters.