Italy vs Belgium Preview

Match Detail	Information
Match	Italy vs Belgium
Competition	UEFA Nations League 2026/27
League	League A – Group A1
Matchday	Matchday 1
Date	25 September 2026
Venue	Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Kick-off	11:15 PM IST

Match Preview

Italy will begin their 2026/27 UEFA Nations League campaign against Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on 25 September. The Group A1 fixture brings together two established European national teams in one of the opening round's notable matches.

The game is particularly significant for Italy as Roberto Mancini begins his second spell as head coach. The Azzurri are also looking to rebuild after missing out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Belgium, meanwhile, begin the Nations League campaign under new head coach Mark van Bommel.

Italy Team Form

Italy's current international cycle has brought a mixture of established players and new faces into the national-team setup. Mancini has selected a 34-player squad for the September fixtures, including nine players receiving their first Italy call-up.

The Azzurri's Nations League campaign begins with Belgium before difficult fixtures against Türkiye and France. The opening match in Rome therefore provides an important early test for Mancini's team.

Belgium Team Form

Belgium enter the new Nations League campaign with a squad undergoing a transition. Mark van Bommel has taken charge, while experienced players such as Kevin De Bruyne remain important parts of the team.

Belgium are also placed in a demanding Group A1 alongside Italy, France and Türkiye. Their opening fixture in Rome will provide an early indication of how the new coaching setup performs against strong opposition.

Team News

Italy's squad includes Gianluigi Donnarumma, Alessandro Bastoni, Riccardo Calafiori, Federico Dimarco, Nicolò Barella, Sandro Tonali, Davide Frattesi, Moise Kean and Gianluca Scamacca. Nine players have received their first senior Italy call-up, including Michael Kayode, Alessandro Romano and Sebastiano Esposito.

Belgium continue to rely on experienced internationals, with Kevin De Bruyne remaining part of the national-team setup. The midfielder has said he intends to continue representing Belgium while he remains motivated and physically fit.

Key Players to Watch

• Gianluigi Donnarumma: The Italy captain provides experience and leadership from the goalkeeper position.
• Sandro Tonali: His energy, passing and ability to cover ground can be important in midfield.
• Nicolò Barella: His movement and creativity can help Italy progress the ball through midfield.
• Kevin De Bruyne: Belgium's experienced midfielder remains a major creative option.
• Jérémy Doku: His pace and ability to take on defenders can provide Belgium with width and attacking threat.

Head-to-Head

Italy have the stronger historical record against Belgium, with 17 wins, five draws and four defeats in their previous meetings. Their most recent encounter was in the 2024/25 Nations League, when the teams drew 2-2 in Rome.

Italy led that match 2-0 through goals from Andrea Cambiaso and Mateo Retegui before Belgium responded with goals from Maxim De Cuyper and Leandro Trossard.

Tactical Battle

Italy are likely to look for controlled possession and use their midfielders to create openings between Belgium's defensive and midfield lines. Tonali and Barella could be important in moving the ball quickly through the centre.

Belgium have the individual quality to threaten Italy in transition. Their wide attackers can create one-on-one situations, while De Bruyne can provide passes into dangerous areas. Italy's defensive organisation will therefore be important throughout the match.

Match Prediction

This is a difficult opening fixture for both teams. Italy have home advantage and the support of the Rome crowd, while Belgium possess considerable international experience and attacking quality.

Predicted Score: Italy 1-1 Belgium

Conclusion

Italy vs Belgium is one of the standout fixtures of Matchday 1 in the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League. Italy begin a new phase under Roberto Mancini, while Belgium start their campaign under Mark van Bommel.

The Stadio Olimpico provides the setting for a meeting between two experienced European sides. With both teams facing France and Türkiye later in Group A1, securing a positive result in Rome could be an important early step in their Nations League campaign.