Italy kicks off its UEFA Nations League campaign on September 25, 2026, at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico against a transitioning Belgium side led by new manager Mark van Bommel. Following a third missed World Cup qualification, the Azzurri under Roberto Mancini enter a high-stakes League A group that also features France and Turkey, facing a grueling schedule of four matches in eleven days.
Tactical Unknowns and Belgian Squad Changes
Mark van Bommel has not managed a club side in two years, leaving federal scouts and the Italian technical staff to pore over the 28-player squad list to anticipate his debut setup. “We don’t know what to expect, even though we watched some of Van Bommel’s Antwerp matches to understand his principles of play,” admitted Italy midfielder Nicolò Barella’s teammate Davide Frattesi according to federal briefings. While the former Milan midfielder typically deployed a 4-2-3-1 at Antwerp, training sessions in Belgium’s camp indicate a heavy preference for a 4-3-3 formation for the opening fixture.
Belgium arrives with notable absences compared to their World Cup squad from June and July. Doku and Onana miss out through injury, Thibaut Courtois is absent by agreement with the coach—leaving Lammens to start in goal—while Axel Witsel has retired from international duty, and Thomas Meunier and Alexis Saelemaekers were left off the roster. Despite these changes, the Red Devils retain core veterans including Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, captain Youri Tielemans, and Atalanta’s Charles De Ketelaere.
Probale Formazioni: Italy and Belgium Lineups
Eurosport reports the expected tactical shapes for both nations ahead of the Friday night kickoff. Italy is projected to line up in a 4-3-3 featuring Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal; a backline of Michael Kayode, Gianluca Mancini, Daniele Coppola, and Riccardo Calafiori; a midfield trio of Romano, Nicolò Barella, and Sandro Tonali; and an attack led by Davide Cambiaghi, Pio Esposito, and Moise Kean.
| Team | Formation | Probable Starting XI |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | 4-3-3 | Donnarumma; Kayode, Mancini, Coppola, Calafiori; Romano, Barella, Tonali; Cambiaghi, Pio Esposito, Kean (Ct: Mancini) |
| Belgium | 4-2-3-1 | Lammens; Castagne, De Winter, Debast, De Cuyper; Tielemans, Lavia; Godts, Lukebakio, De Bruyne; De Ketelaere (Ct: Van Bommel) |
For Belgium, Van Bommel’s midfield anchor is expected to feature Romeo Lavia, Kevin De Bruyne, and Youri Tielemans, with De Bruyne given license to push forward into a trequartista role during possession. Up front, the tactical choice lies between starting Romelu Lukaku—who remains short on match fitness following his transfer to Fenerbahçe—or deploying Charles De Ketelaere as a false nine. AC Milan winger Diego Moreira is competing with Mika Godts for a spot on the flank.
Did you know? Romelu Lukaku scored 21 goals in 47 appearances for AS Roma during the 2023-24 season, making the Stadio Olimpico a familiar venue for the Belgian striker as he returns to the Italian capital.
Nations League Format and Broadcast Details
The Nations League format places the top two teams from each League A group into the quarterfinals scheduled for March 2027. The two third-placed teams with the best records remain in League A, while the remaining third and fourth-place sides enter relegation and promotion playoffs against League B runners-up.
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Kickoff is set for 20:45 CEST at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, with German referee Felix Siebert officiating the match. Viewers in Italy can watch the game live on free-to-air television via Rai Uno or stream it on Rai Play, while Eurosport provides live written coverage, player ratings, and post-match reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is Italia-Belgio being played?
The match takes place on Friday, September 25, 2026, starting at 20:45 CEST at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
How can I watch the match on TV or streaming?
The game will be broadcast live in the clear on Rai Uno and available for streaming on Rai Play.
Who are the managers for Italy and Belgium?
Italy is managed by Roberto Mancini in his second tenure, while Belgium is led by newly appointed coach Mark Van Bommel.
What is the format of the UEFA Nations League group stage?
League A consists of four-team groups where the top two finishers advance to the quarterfinals in March 2027, and lower-finishing teams face promotion-relegation playoffs.
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