Mancini’s first Italy side takes shape for Belgium test
Roberto Mancini is preparing the Italian national football team for their upcoming Nations League match against Belgium. The squad faces several personnel challenges due to injuries and suspensions, leading to a projected 4-3-3 formation.
Why it matters
International football matches are significant cultural events that drive sports media engagement and national pride.
Roberto Mancini's starting XI for Italy 's Nations League opener against Belgium is taking shape, with Francesco Pio Esposito , Nicolò Zaniolo and Daniel Maldini expected upfront.
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Friday at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).
The group is completed by France and Turkiye, who will face off in the other match that day.
Roberto Mancini speaks to the media at a press conference at Coverciano ahead of the 2026 September-October international break, which will see Italy take on Belgium, Turkiye, France and Turkiye again in the Nations League. (Picture: Lorenzo Bettoni).
Mancini intends to adopt a 4-3-3 formation and some choices are foisted upon him, because Federico Dimarco , Bryan Cristante and Marco Palestra were ruled out by injury, while Alessandro Bastoni is suspended.
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