Mancini focuses on Italy: Raspadori at No. 10, Zaniolo left out

Tonight the Azzurri of Roberto Mancini are ready to debut in the Nations League against Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, with Guglielmo Donnarumma in goal and Alessandro Di Lorenzo in defence; among the called‑up is Davide Raspadori, who wears the number 10 shirt, while Nicolò Zaniolo remains out.

Tactical variations in the 4‑3‑3

Mancini starts again from the 4‑3‑3 but envisages several variations to use during the match. In the possession phase Calafiori can open on the left flank, with Kean moving into attack alongside Pio Esposito, forming a 3‑5‑2. In the defensive phase Tonali can shift to the left and Cambiaghi drop back to the right, creating a 4‑4‑2.

In the second half, Maldini, Raspadori or Zoma could come off the bench to return to the classic 4‑3‑3 with an attacking trident formed by Pio Esposito, Kean or Scamacca. An alternative foresees the entry of Frattesi, turning the formation into a more balanced 4‑2‑3‑1.

Absences and call‑ups

The head coach has had to deal with several absences: Bastoni is suspended, while Cristante, Locatelli, Buongiorno, Palestra and Dimarco are unavailable due to injury. In addition, Moreira of Milan and the former Juventus player Openda compete for the left‑wing spot with PSG’s Godts.

Mancini weighs Pio and Kean duo for the match against Belgium

The list of call‑ups includes the goalkeepers Donnarumma, Carnesecchi and Vicario; the defenders Kayode, Ahanor, Calafiori, Coppola, Scalvini, Di Lorenzo and Mancini; the midfielders Romano, Mandragora, Tonali, Doumbia, Frattesi and Barella; the forwards Pio Esposito, Kean, Raspadori, Scamacca, Maldini, Cambiaghi and Zoma. On the bench remain Pessina, Bastoni, Ghilardi, Kouadio, Ruggeri, Ricci, Fagioli, Inacio, Vergara, Zaniolo and Sebastiano Esposito.

Probable line‑ups

Mancini’s ITALY should line up in a 4‑3‑3 with Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Mancini, Coppola, Calafiori; Barella, Romano, Tonali; Cambiaghi, Pio Esposito, Kean, with Mancini on the bench. WITH the same mentality, Mark Van Bommel’s Belgium start with a 4‑2‑3‑1: Lammens; Seys, Mechele, Ngoy, De Cuyper; Lavia, Tielemans; Lukebakio, De Bruyne, Godts; De Ketelaere.

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

On June 16, five years ago, the Azzurri’s European adventure began at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome; on July 12 the final ended at Wembley, won on penalties against England. Compared with that squad, only three players remain: Donnarumma, Di Lorenzo and Barella.