Mancini's national team makes its Nations League debut against Van Bommel's Belgium. In defense, space for Coppola, in attack, Pio Esposito is favored.
Roberto Mancini is set to field several new faces in his first match of his second era on the Italy bench. Ahead of the Nations League debut against Belgium, the Azzurri head coach has defined the lineup that will take the field at the Olimpico. In defense, replacing the suspended Bastoni, PSG defender Diego Coppola is expected to start at center-back, paired with Mancini. In midfield, the debutant Romano is favored, alongside Barella and Tonali. In attack, the most likely center-forward is Pio Esposito, although Kean has been tested persistently in recent sessions. The wings could feature two surprises: Cambiaghi and Maldini.
Belgium, led by new head coach Mark van Bommel, represents a tactical puzzle. The former Milan midfielder, who hasn't coached in two years, has called up 28 players and could opt for a 4-3-3. Among the certainties are Kevin De Bruyne in midfield and Romelu Lukaku in attack, though the latter is short on minutes after his transfer to Fenerbahce. One alternative is the use of Charles De Ketelaere as a false nine. The match, with over 32,000 tickets sold, marks the beginning of Van Bommel's cycle, who has a contract until 2028.
The Nations League is a football competition for European men's national teams, organized by UEFA and introduced in 2018. It was created to replace most international friendlies with competitive matches, increasing interest from fans and players. Italy participates in League A, the highest level. This match inaugurates the new edition of the tournament and also marks the beginning of two new technical cycles.
Roberto Mancini, who had already led Italy to victory in Euro 2020, has returned to the helm of the Azzurri after the resignation of his successor. His task is to rebuild a team that, after the continental success, failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup and had a disappointing run in the last Nations League. On the other side, Belgium has entrusted the team to Mark van Bommel, a former midfielder for Milan and Barcelona, who replaces Rudi Garcia after the 2026 World Cup, where the 'Red Devils' were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Spain. The goal for both national teams is to use this competition to test new solutions ahead of the qualifiers for the next European Championship.
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