Italy v Belgium: Nations League opener at Stadio Olimpico on September 25

Italy will face Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico on September 25 in the opening match of the UEFA Nations League 2026-27. This preview covers team news, confirmed lineups and a prediction for the fixture.

Under their new manager Roberto Mancini, Italy arrive looking to rebuild and to blood new players, with nine newcomers named in the squad. Mancini has indicated a period of squad construction ahead of future European ambitions, and the Nations League is being used as an opportunity to test fresh options while Italy prepare to play at home.

Belgium arrive after a World Cup campaign that ended with a quarter-final defeat to Spain, and Mark van Bommel has been appointed as their new head coach. The Belgian selection mixes experienced and younger players, the squad is reported to be fully fit and the group are expected to be confident despite being away from home.

Francesco Pio Esposito is singled out among Italy’s attacking options: one of the main men in the final third for FC Internazionale Milano, he has scored five goals in nine appearances for his country. Esposito can operate as a lone striker or as a second striker, giving Mancini tactical flexibility up front.

Kevin De Bruyne has once again been called into Belgium’s squad and is expected to contribute across midfield and the attacking front. The Napoli midfielder still knows how to create plays for his fellow teammates and is capable of scoring goals as well.

Roberto Mancini named his squad with Federico Dimarco withdrawing and Matteo Ruggeri named as his replacement: "Roberto Mancini names his squad for the upcoming #NationsLeague matches 📋#Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/pFrnbBdSv4" Mark van Bommel’s first Belgium selection was announced separately: "Mark van Bommel’s first squad is in. 🇧🇪#SelectedByPwC pic.twitter.com/VEyWP1HY8e" The starting lineups published are: Italy — Donnarumma (GK); Ghilardi, Bastoni, Scalvini; Di Lorenzo, Tonali, Barella, Calafiori; Zaniolo, Esposito, Cambiaghi. Belgium — Lammens (GK); Castagne, De Winter, Ngoy, De Cuyper; Lavia, Tielemans; Lukebakio, De Bruyne, Trossard; De Ketelaere.

Italy are still searching for permanent solutions in several positions but will hope home advantage helps, while Belgium’s World Cup run has left them expecting a stern contest. The preview’s prediction from the original piece suggests the Belgian Red Devils are likely to come out on top and secure three points. The match will be played at the Stadio Olimpico on September 25 and will be available on Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV in India; Prime Video UK and S4C in the UK; RAI PLAY, Mediaset and Sky Italia in Italy; and FOX Sports, FuboTV and ViX in the USA.