Rome’s Olympic Stadium becomes the first stop on two new international journeys on Friday, as Italy host Belgium in the opening round of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League. The Group A1 meeting brings Roberto Mancini back to the Italy bench and gives Mark van Bommel his first match in charge of Belgium, with France and Turkey completing a demanding section.
A reset in Rome for the Azzurra
Italy return to competitive action carrying the weight of another failed World Cup campaign. Despite recording six wins in qualification, the Azzurra were pushed into the play-offs and suffered a 4-1 defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina, extending their absence from the finals to a third successive World Cup.
The result ended Gennaro Gattuso’s spell as coach and cleared the way for Mancini’s return. He previously led the national side from 2018 until 2023, and his second tenure begins with the longer objective of rebuilding towards the 2030 World Cup.
- Italy won six matches during their World Cup qualifying campaign.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina eliminated Italy by a 4-1 scoreline in the play-offs.
- Roberto Mancini is beginning his second spell as Italy coach.
- The Nations League opener is the first competitive test of Italy’s new cycle.
Van Bommel takes over a Belgian side still in contention
Belgium arrive in the Italian capital from a more encouraging summer. The Red Devils reached the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals before Spain ended their run with a 2-1 victory.
That loss was followed by Rudi Garcia’s departure, leaving Van Bommel to take charge of a Belgian generation seeking to remain among Europe’s leading national teams. The fixture in Rome is his first as head coach.
With France and Turkey also in League A Group 1, neither side has much room to ease into the campaign. Early points could matter heavily in a group containing four established European opponents.
Match details
- Date: Friday, 25 September 2026
- Kick-off: 12:45 Central Mexico time
- Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
- Broadcast: Sky Sports and Sky+
