The 2026/27 UEFA Nations League begins with a heavyweight League A clash as Italy take on Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Friday, 25 September 2026. Both teams are starting a new chapter under different managers, making this an intriguing opening fixture.
Match Details
- Match: Italy vs Belgium
- Competition: UEFA Nations League 2026/27 – League A, Group A1
- Date: 25 September 2026
- Kick-off: 8:45 PM CEST / 12:15 AM IST, 26 September
- Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
- Italy Manager: Roberto Mancini
- Belgium Manager: Mark van Bommel
UEFA lists Italy vs Belgium as one of the opening Group A1 fixtures, with France and Türkiye completing the group.
Italy’s New Era Under Mancini
Italy begin their Nations League campaign with Roberto Mancini back as head coach. His squad includes a mixture of established players and several younger faces, including Michael Kayode, Eddie Kouadio, Samuele Inacio and Mohamed Ali Zoma.
Key players such as Gianluigi Donnarumma, Nicolò Barella, Sandro Tonali, Riccardo Calafiori and Giacomo Raspadori are expected to play important roles.
Italy are also looking to rebuild after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Belgium’s Key Players
Belgium also enter the tournament with a new manager in Mark van Bommel. One of the biggest names in the squad remains Kevin De Bruyne, who has confirmed that he intends to continue playing international football while he remains motivated and physically fit.
Belgium could also rely on Romelu Lukaku, Youri Tielemans and Romeo Lavia as they look to make a strong start to the campaign.
Thibaut Courtois is not expected to feature, while Belgium also have injury concerns involving players including Amadou Onana, Leandro Trossard and Jérémy Doku.
Expected Lineups
Italy are expected to use a 4-3-3 formation, with Donnarumma in goal and Barella and Tonali providing experience in midfield. Francesco Pio Esposito is among the players competing for the central attacking role.
Italy: Donnarumma; Kayode, Mancini, Bastoni, Calafiori; Romano, Barella, Tonali; Zaniolo, Pio Esposito, Raspadori.
Belgium are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1, with De Bruyne playing behind the main striker.
Italy vs Belgium: What to Expect?
This could be a competitive opening game because both teams are adapting to new managerial eras. Italy will have the advantage of playing at home, while Belgium have experienced players capable of creating chances in transition.
The midfield battle could be particularly important. Barella and Tonali will look to control the tempo for Italy, while De Bruyne and Tielemans provide Belgium with creativity and passing quality.
With both sides beginning their Nations League campaign against each other, an intense and entertaining contest is expected.
Prediction
Italy’s home advantage and midfield balance could give them an edge, but Belgium have enough attacking quality to make this a close contest.
Prediction: Italy 2-1 Belgium
A narrow Italy victory is our early prediction, with the match potentially going down to the final stages.
Final Thoughts
Italy vs Belgium has all the ingredients of a banger start to the 2026/27 Nations League. Two historic European teams, new managers and several changes within both squads make this an especially interesting opening fixture.
Football fans can expect a tactical battle at the Stadio Olimpico, with players such as Donnarumma, Barella, Tonali, De Bruyne and Lukaku likely to attract much of the attention.
FAQs
Q1. When is Italy vs Belgium?
Italy vs Belgium will be played on 25 September 2026.
Q2. What time is Italy vs Belgium in India?
Kick-off is scheduled for 12:15 AM IST on 26 September 2026.
Q3. Where will Italy vs Belgium be played?
The match will take place at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
Q4. Who are the managers of Italy and Belgium?
Roberto Mancini manages Italy, while Mark van Bommel is Belgium’s head coach.
Q5. What is the prediction for Italy vs Belgium?
Our early prediction is Italy 2-1 Belgium.
