Italy kicks off a new era, secured top seed for Euro 2028

With the 3-1 victory over Turkey last night, Roberto Mancini closed the international break of Italy, successfully inaugurating his second spell in charge of the Azzurri and securing for the national team a place among the seeded teams for the EURO 2028 qualifiers.

A victory that consolidates the position

The result achieved on matchday four of Group E of the Nations League is not merely a temporary second place. With a seven‑point advantage over Turkey, which sits at the bottom of the table, Italy is already safe from finishing the group at the bottom. This margin secures the first of the two objectives set by Mancini: a seeded position for the EURO 2028 qualifiers. In the November draw, Italy will be among the twelve seeded teams, together with the top three finishers of the four League A groups.

Other national teams, such as Norway and Germany, will still have to fight to secure the same privilege. Norway represents a crossing to avoid, especially after the recent clash in the World Cup qualifiers, where the Azzurri faced Haaland and his teammates. A possible encounter with Scandinavia on the road to EURO 2028 would echo that déjà‑vu, but with the aim of a smoother path.

The backbone of the new national team

To understand the direction of the new cycle, Mancini has already outlined the backbone of the squad. The list of the most used players in the first four matches shows Gianluigi Donnarumma with a full 360 minutes, followed by Alessandro Bastoni with 270 minutes. In third place we have Sandro Tonali (262 minutes), while Francesco Pio Esposito accumulated 237 minutes. The centre of the defence is completed by Riccardo Calafiori (214 minutes) and Michael Kayode (214 minutes), both also deployed in wide positions.

Nations League in Bologna: Mancini guides Italy towards revival

The eleven most used are:

• Gianluigi Donnarumma – 360 minutes
• Alessandro Bastoni – 270 minutes
• Sandro Tonali – 262 minutes
• Francesco Pio Esposito – 237 minutes
• Riccardo Calafiori – 214 minutes
• Michael Kayode – 214 minutes
• Giorgio Scalvini – 204 minutes
• Davide Frattesi – 193 minutes
• Moise Kean and Gianluca Mancini – 180 minutes
• Nicolò Barella – 178 minutes

This core already suggests a 4‑3‑3 formation, with one more midfielder compared to a four‑defender line.

Mancini talks about the future of the Azzurri

After the 3‑1 win, Mancini spoke to Sky microphones in Rimini, where he received the Gianluca Vialli 202 award. “What am I missing? Vialli,” he said, recalling the teammate and national team official. He then praised the Under‑21 of Baldini, stating that “there are many talented youngsters who will reach the national team.” Mancini concluded by emphasizing that the young squad must grow, making mistakes at times, but that balance is already present.

Mancini makes Italy smile with the win in Bologna

With the seeded position confirmed, Italy will enter the November draw among the twelve favourite teams, thus avoiding a more arduous qualification path. The next commitment of the national team will be decisive to consolidate the new course set by Mancini.