UEFA Nations League: Italy's League A between France and Turkey

In the context of the UEFA Nations League 2026/27, Italy was drawn into Group 1 of League A together with France, Turkey and Belgium. After the first two matchdays, the Azzurri have collected three points, with a 0‑2 defeat to Belgium and a 4‑1 home win over Turkey.

How League A of the Nations League works

League A of the UEFA Nations League consists of four groups of four national teams, for a total of sixteen teams. The top two finishers in each group advance to the quarter‑finals, while the bottom two are relegated. The two best third‑placed teams remain in League A, the two worst face play‑offs against the second‑placed teams from League B.

Italy's Nations League schedule

The 2026/27 Nations League schedule includes six matches for Italy: Matchday 1 Italy‑Belgium (0‑2), Matchday 2 Turkey‑Italy (1‑4), Matchday 3 France‑Italy (Friday 2 October 2026, 20:45), Matchday 4 Italy‑Turkey (Monday 5 October 2026, 20:45), Matchday 5 Italy‑France (Thursday 12 November 2026, 20:45) and Matchday 6 Belgium‑Italy (Sunday 15 November 2026, 20:45).

In the draw, Italy was not seeded; it was paired with France from the first pot, Belgium from the third, and Turkey from the fourth. France, also known as the Red Devils, is the main high‑level opponent.

Italy one step from relegation in the Nations League

The outlook for the Azzurri depends on the remaining four matches. With three points so far, they will need to aim for a positive result against France to keep their quarter‑final qualification hopes alive.

The relegation system stipulates that the two lowest‑ranked fourth‑placed teams drop, while the two best third‑placed teams from the four groups stay in League A. The two worst third‑placed teams, together with the two best fourth‑placed teams, will play play‑offs against the second‑placed teams from League B.

Italy top of the group for Euro 2028 with win over Turkey

The contrast between the difficult start against Belgium and the emphatic win over Turkey highlights the uncertainty of Italy's journey in League A. The UEFA Nations League format, with its promotion and relegation mechanisms, makes every match decisive for staying in League A.