Rome hosts an international European night rather than a Champions League tie as Italy begin their Nations League campaign against Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico, with kick-off scheduled for 20:45.
Key takeaways
- Italy and Belgium meet in the opening round of the Nations League.
- Italy start with Moise Kean and Esposito as their attacking partnership.
- Kevin De Bruyne remains Belgium’s central creative presence.
- Riccardo Calafiori is among the prominent figures in the Italian squad.
- Belgium hand a Nations League debut to Van Bommel.
Italy’s selection takes shape in Rome
Italy arrived at the Olimpico for a fixture that sets the tone for their Nations League week, with Mancini’s selection containing both established internationals and newer options.
Gianluigi Donnarumma starts in goal behind a back four of Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Mancini, Coppola and Calafiori. Sandro Tonali, Romano and Nicolò Barella form the midfield, while Cambiaghi supports the front two of Esposito and Kean.
Calafiori is one of the recognisable faces in the Italian group, while the forward pairing gives Italy a direct attacking focus for their first match of the campaign.
De Bruyne leads Belgium’s response
Belgium begin with Lammens in goal, protected by Timothy Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele and De Cuyper. Raskin, Youri Tielemans and De Bruyne make up the midfield, with Moreira, Godts and Charles De Ketelaere selected in attack.
De Bruyne remains the reference point for Belgium, carrying responsibility for connecting midfield to attack in a side that also includes new faces. Van Bommel’s debut adds another element of renewal as Belgium open their Nations League programme in the Italian capital.
