Rome hosts another attempt at renewal on Friday as Italy begin their UEFA Nations League campaign against Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico. Roberto Mancini has returned to take charge of the Azzurri, with the tournament offering a first competitive stage for a side seeking to restore its standing after missing the past three World Cups.
The 61-year-old replaces Gennaro Gattuso following an unsuccessful qualifying campaign. Mancini returns with the memory of Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph, achieved when the delayed finals were played in 2021, and a mandate to turn past near-misses in the Nations League into a title challenge.
Quick facts
- Match: Italy v Belgium, UEFA Nations League Group A1
- Date: Friday, 25 September 2026
- Kick-off: 15:45 Brasília time
- Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
- Italy coach: Roberto Mancini
- Belgium coach: Mark Van Bommel
Italy have never won the Nations League. During his previous spell in charge, Mancini guided the national side to two semi-finals, but he made clear that a third-place finish will not satisfy the new project.
“We expect to reach the final and compete for the trophy,” Mancini said. “The match against the Netherlands was for third place, while our aim is something different. We have a strong squad, it will not be easy, but we will try.”
His reference was to the 2022-23 edition, when Italy beat the Netherlands in the third-place play-off. For a country with four World Cup titles, the demand now is not simply to reappear in major competition but to become a decisive force again.
Likely line-ups
Italy are expected to start Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, behind a defence of Kayode, Gianluca Mancini, Scalvini and Calafiori. Barella, Tonali and Frattesi are set to form the midfield, with Inacio, Raspadori and Esposito projected in attack.
Belgium could line up with Lammens; Castagne, De Winter, Theate and De Cuyper; Tielemans and Lavia; Lukebakio, De Bruyne and Godts; with Lukaku leading the line.
The opening night in the capital therefore brings together two established European names at different moments of reconstruction. For Italy, the immediate task is Belgium; the larger purpose is to make Mancini’s return the beginning of another climb.
