Italy hosts Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico on Friday night to open Group A1 in the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League, with both national teams stepping onto the pitch under newly appointed managers. Roberto Mancini has returned for a second spell in charge of the Azzurri, replacing Gennaro Gattuso, while Mark van Bommel takes over the Belgian side following Rudi Garcia’s departure.
Tactical Overhauls and Squad Changes for Group A1 Opener
Mancini takes the reins following Italy’s failure to qualify for a third straight World Cup after a 4-1 penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia in Zenica back in April. The returning manager has wasted no time shaking up the roster, naming a 34-man squad that includes nine uncapped players. Italy enters this fixture on the back of narrow 1-0 victories over Luxembourg and Greece in June, with the Greece win achieved after going down to ten men.
Meanwhile, Belgium arrives under Van Bommel after reaching the World Cup quarter-finals, where they exited following a 2-1 loss to eventual winners Spain. The new Belgian boss has made eight changes from that tournament squad. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is absent following an agreement, and Jérémy Doku is sidelined with an injury. Midfielder Youri Tielemans retains the captain’s armband.
Pro Tip: Historical fixtures favor the hosts on paper, but squad turnover changes the dynamic. Italy are unbeaten in their last five meetings with Belgium, though the Red Devils haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last seven match-ups against the Azzurri.
Form Guide and Match Predictions
Italy holds an unbeaten streak in the last five encounters against Belgium. Yet, the Azzurri are rebuilding from a low base under Mancini, and integrating nine new squad members means cohesion could take time. Bookmakers price Italy at a 44% probability to win over 90 minutes. Analysts suggest backing a draw or a Belgium win in the Double Chance market at odds of 1.70 with Betway, covering roughly 58.8% probability.
For goalscorers, 21-year-old Pio Esposito has started his international career swiftly with five goals in nine appearances. With club form for reigning Scudetto holders Inter Milan showing two goals from five appearances and 2.16 xG, Esposito is positioned to lead the line. He sits at odds of 2.50 with Betway to score anytime.
In the first-goal market, Italy has broken the deadlock in each of their last eight international matches, including their last seven meetings against Belgium. Given Van Bommel’s eight squad changes and a missing first-choice goalkeeper, new defensive partnerships may leak early. Italy to score the first goal is priced at 1.77 with Betway.
Did You Know? Pio Esposito has netted 5 goals in just 9 senior appearances for the Azzurri, establishing himself as a primary scoring option for Mancini’s new-look squad.
Probable Lineups
Italy expected lineup: Donnarumma, Di Lorenzo, Calafiori, Bastoni, Dimarco, Barella, Tonali, Frattesi, Maldini, Esposito, Kean.
Belgium expected lineup: Lammens, Castagne, De Winter, Theate, De Cuyper, Tielemans, Lavia, De Bruyne, Lukebakio, Lukaku, Fofana.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Italy vs. Belgium in the UEFA Nations League?
The match takes place on Friday night at the Stadio Olimpico, marking the opening fixture of Group A1 in the 2026/27 Nations League.
Who are the managers for Italy and Belgium?
Roberto Mancini manages Italy following his return to the role, while Mark van Bommel leads Belgium after taking over from Rudi Garcia.
What is the head-to-head record between Italy and Belgium?
Italy is unbeaten in the last five meetings against Belgium, though the Belgian side has not kept a clean sheet in their last seven match-ups.
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