Ligue Nations sees Mancini back as Italy prepare for Belgium clash

Roberto Mancini has taken charge of the Squadra Azzurra for a second spell, steering Italy into the Ligue Nations as they seek redemption after missing the 2026 World Cup, while the match against Belgium will be shown live on La Chaîne L’Équipe.

Mancini's second spell and Italy's World Cup miss

Roberto Mancini returns to the helm of the Italy national team, known as the Squadra Azzurra, for a second mandate. Italy did not feature at the Coupe du monde 2026, having been eliminated in the European play‑off final by Bosnia‑Herzegovina after a 1‑1 draw and a four‑to‑one penalty shoot‑out. This marks the third consecutive World Cup the Transalpins have failed to qualify for.

For the upcoming Ligue Nations campaign Mancini has named a squad of thirty‑four players, introducing nine newcomers to the senior set‑up.

Belgian new direction and match details

Mark van Bommel takes charge of Les Diables rouges for the first time, guiding Belgium into the same group as Italy. Belgium reached the quarter‑finals of the Coupe du monde, where they were beaten 2‑1 by Spain after Mikel Merino scored in the 88th minute.

Mancini returns to Italy's helm, faces Belgium at the Olympics

Youri Tielemans retains the captain's armband, sharing leadership duties with Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku. Romeo Lavia returns to the squad, while Axel Witsel ends his international career after 140 caps.

Both sides will meet France later in the Ligue Nations phase, with the French travelling to Belgium on 28 September and hosting Italy on 2 October. The competition runs until 17 November, with quarter‑finals scheduled for 25‑28 March 2027 and the final set for 13 June.

Mancini fields 23, Zaniolo out: Italy‑Belgium looming

The Italy‑Belgium encounter, the opening fixture of Group A1, is slated for Friday 25 September at 20:45 and will be broadcast free‑to‑air on La Chaîne L’Équipe, alongside the Turkey‑France match.