Tadic Warns Serbia of Greece Threat Ahead of Nations League Opener

Serbia captain Dusan Tadic has urged his side to treat Greece as a major threat when the two teams meet in Thursday’s UEFA Nations League opener at Belgrade’s Rajko Mitic Stadium. The 111-cap midfielder is back leading the national team and believes Greece arrive with their strongest group of players for several years, although Serbia remain focused on taking three points at home.

Tadic sets the standard for Serbia

The former Ajax and Fenerbahce playmaker spoke positively about Ivan Jovanovic’s Greece squad before the match, highlighting the increasing number of Greek internationals established in leading European leagues.

Tadic said Greece have “many high-level players” and suggested their current selection is stronger than any Greek squad seen in recent campaigns. He singled out Benfica forward Vangelis Pavlidis and Como attacker Tassos Douvikas among those performing important roles at club level.

That respect will not alter Serbia’s objective in front of their own supporters. Tadic made clear that the home side will approach the opening League A fixture seeking a win at the Marakana.

Greece bring young attacking momentum

Greece enter their first Nations League A campaign with a forward line combining emerging talent and experienced internationals. Their promotion has been accompanied by the development of several players now competing at prominent clubs across Europe.

• Arsenal winger Christos Tzolis leads the attacking options after completing a €40 million move from Club Brugge.
• Konstantinos Karetsas, 18, joined Borussia Dortmund from Genk after finishing second in Belgium’s assist standings.
• Brighton striker Charalampos Kostoulas, 19, comes into the international window after scoring three times in eight days, including a goal against Arsenal.
• Pavlidis and Douvikas provide Jovanovic with established options through the middle.
• Olympiacos goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis is part of a squad also guided by Odysseas Vlachodimos and Liverpool left-back Kostas Tsimikas.

Tzolis and Karetsas offer pace and invention from wide areas, while Kostoulas has added recent scoring form to Greece’s attacking pool. The selection gives Jovanovic a blend of young players carrying strong club form and senior figures with substantial international experience.

League A campaign carries Euro 2028 importance

The fixture in Belgrade gives Greece an early chance to demonstrate that their promotion can be sustained against higher-level opposition. Jovanovic’s team see the new Nations League cycle as an important part of their wider route towards Euro 2028 qualification.

Serbia, meanwhile, will seek to make their home advantage count in what is expected to be a demanding opening-night atmosphere. Greece travel to the Rajko Mitic Stadium aiming to turn the progress of their individual players into a statement result on the international stage.