Nations League Opener
Italy and Belgium clash in Rome to open their new UEFA Nations League campaigns.
Anonymous
Italy and Belgium open their 2026–27 UEFA Nations League campaigns at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico as both teams begin new coaching eras: Roberto Mancini returns to Italy, while Mark van Bommel makes his debut with Belgium. Italy are rebuilding after missing the 2026 World Cup, and Belgium are moving on after reaching the World Cup quarterfinals; experienced stars Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne remain central to the Belgian side. Van Bommel’s tactical approach is uncertain, but Italy’s staff have studied his previous teams, while injuries and absences have altered both squads. The matchup is expected to feature two attack-minded teams, with Italy also drawing confidence from its recent record against Belgium.
Key Points
1
Italy and Belgium are in League A Group 1 alongside France and Turkey, with all four teams scheduled to play their first four matches over an 11-day period.
2
Italy’s World Cup qualifying failure followed a second-place finish behind Norway and a playoff semifinal win over Northern Ireland; Bosnia-Herzegovina then eliminated Italy on penalties in the final. Silvio Baldini took temporary charge for two friendlies before Mancini’s appointment.
3
Belgium’s absences include injured Jérémy Doku and Amadou Onana, while Thibaut Courtois is sitting out by agreement with the coach and Axel Witsel has retired from international football. Bruges full-back Sabbe and goalkeeper De Busser have received first call-ups.
4
Italy captain Gianluigi Donnarumma has 83 international caps. The hosts are also without suspended Alessandro Bastoni and injured Federico Dimarco, Bryan Cristante and Manuel Locatelli; Mateo Retegui was not selected.
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