Mancini in contention for a starting place, Ghilardi hopes for his debut

This evening at 20:45 Roma will open the doors of its stadium for the first matchday of the Nations League against Belgium, with Gianluca Mancini and Daniele Ghilardi called up by coach Roberto Mancini for the home squad.

Mancini's crossroads and Cristante's absence

Gianluca Mancini is a candidate to start from the first minute, edging closer to a starter's shirt after his last appearance in Zenica, where he stayed on the pitch for the full 120 minutes. The Roma defender sees this match as a positive signal to consolidate his role in the national team.

The third defender expected, Bryan Cristante, will not be able to join the group because the problem that arose in the Roma‑Inter match forced him to withdraw, leaving space for Mancini and Ghilardi.

Mancini weighs Pio and Kean duo for the match against Belgium

Daniele Ghilardi, at his first training camp with the Azzurri, dreams of making his debut right at the Olimpico. The young defender has started the season well and the call‑up represents a recognition of his progress.

His goal is to convince Roberto Mancini and prove that he is ready should he be entrusted with shirt number 23 of the Tricolore.

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

The contrast between Mancini's experience and Ghilardi's enthusiasm highlights two different stories that intertwine in the same challenge, giving Roma a double reason for pride.