Mancini fields 23, Zaniolo out: Italy‑Belgium looming

A few hours before the kickoff of Italy‑Belgium in the Nations League, Roberto Mancini is living his second debut at the helm of the Azzurri, with 23 called up among starters and bench players, while Zaniolo is out due to fitness and Cambiaghi is considered a possible addition.

In attack the duo Pio Esposito‑Kean was observed on the bench together with Zaniolo, who is not at his best, and Zoma, plus ten more Azzurri players. The offensive line also includes Raspadori, Scamacca, Maldini and the possible inclusion of Cambiaghi.

Goalkeepers and defenders in the squad

The three goalkeepers called up are Donnarumma, Carnesecchi and Vicario. In defense there are Kayode, Ahanor, Calafiori, Coppola, Scalvini, Di Lorenzo and Mancini.

The midfield includes Romano, Mandragora, Tonali, Doumbia, Frattesi and Barella, all available for tonight's match.

Italy and Mancini look to surprise Belgium in Rome

By the numbers, 11 players will not take part in the game: Pessina, Bastoni (suspended), Ghilardi, Kouadio, Ruggeri, Ricci, Fagioli, Inacio, Vergara, Zaniolo and Sebastiano Esposito.

Format and schedule of the Nations League

The Nations League, in its fifth edition, concentrates the first four group‑stage matches between September and October, with the last two in November. There are 54 national teams divided into four leagues; League A comprises four groups of four teams, the top two of each group advance to the quarter‑finals.

Italy is placed in League A, Group 1, together with France, Turkey and Belgium. The tournament is decisive for qualification to Euro 2028, as the top three teams in each group will secure a seeded position.

German referee Siebert will officiate Italy‑Belgium in Nations League

"The first time you're always excited, then in Rome and with all this waiting and these expectations. Am I enjoying it? That's not a term that captures the idea… but I've already said what I think and we only talk about football," said Giovanni Malagò.

Malagò added that the situation has been aired and that he does not anticipate any clarification during the match, trusting in a single discourse about football. He also emphasized the support of public opinion and the media for the Azzurri project.