Italy Start Mancini Period In opposition to Belgium in Nations League Opener

September 24, 2026
8:51 pm

Italy and Belgium will start new chapters underneath new administration after they meet on the Stadio Olimpico on Friday evening of their opening UEFA Nations League fixture.

The 2 sides are each coming into the 2026-27 marketing campaign with new coaches and might be desirous to make a powerful begin in a demanding League A Group 1, which additionally comprises France and Turkey.

Italy are trying to rebuild after one other painful failure to qualify for the World Cup. The Azzurri completed behind Norway in qualifying earlier than beating Northern Eire within the playoffs, solely to undergo a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The end result means Italy have now missed three consecutive World Cups, regardless of successful Euro 2020. Roberto Mancini has subsequently returned to the nationwide crew, three years after leaving his place to take cost of Saudi Arabia.

Mancini succeeds Gennaro Gattuso and has already signalled his intention to introduce youthful gamers, with a number of contemporary faces included in his 34-man squad.

Belgium, in the meantime, are additionally starting a brand new period following Rudi Garcia’s departure. Garcia guided the Crimson Devils to the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals, the place they narrowly misplaced to eventual champions Spain.

Mark van Bommel has now taken over and faces a particularly demanding opening schedule. Belgium should go to Italy earlier than enjoying France twice, both aspect of a house fixture towards Turkey.

The Crimson Devils have traditionally struggled to make a deep run within the Nations League, reaching the finals solely as soon as and ending fourth in 2021. They’ve, nonetheless, retained vital expertise, with Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku remaining key figures.

Italy have received 4 of the final 5 conferences between the groups, whereas Belgium’s most up-to-date defeat to Spain ended a formidable 18-match unbeaten run.

Crew Information

Italy might be captained by Gianluigi Donnarumma, who has already reached 83 worldwide appearances regardless of being solely 27.

Mancini’s first squad of his second spell comprises plenty of new faces, however the Azzurri might be with out Alessandro Bastoni by suspension. Federico Dimarco, Bryan Cristante and Juventus captain Manuel Locatelli are additionally unavailable due to accidents.

Mateo Retegui has not been chosen, leaving Moise Kean, Gianluca Scamacca, Sebastiano Esposito and Pio Esposito competing for attacking positions.

Pio Esposito might obtain the nod after making a formidable begin to his worldwide profession. Since making his debut throughout 2026 World Cup qualifying, the younger striker has scored 5 targets in 9 appearances and has additionally been producing robust performances for Inter Milan.

Mancini is anticipated to make use of a 4-3-3 formation.

Among the many new faces, Alessandro Romano has chosen to signify Italy regardless of curiosity from Switzerland, whereas Michael Kayode has impressed since shifting to Brentford. Mohamed Ali Zoma has additionally acquired a possibility after incomes recognition at Nurnberg.

Belgium have additionally chosen a number of promising younger gamers. Paris Saint-Germain winger Mika Godts, Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia, and Premier League newcomers Malick Fofana and Matias Fernandez-Pardo might all be concerned.

Youri Tielemans is anticipated to captain the guests following the worldwide retirement of Axel Witsel.

Youri Tielemans. (photo credit: facebook media) — Youri Tielemans. (picture credit score: fb media)

Belgium are additionally with out a number of skilled choices. Thibaut Courtois is taking a break from worldwide responsibility, whereas Mats Selz has stepped away. Their absence leaves Senne Lammens, Mike Penders, Maarten Vandevoordt and Jari De Busser competing for the goalkeeper place.

Andre Onana stays unavailable due to the long-term harm he suffered on the World Cup. Leandro Trossard can also be sidelined, whereas Jeremy Doku has not been chosen after solely not too long ago returning to motion.