Roberto Mancini’s Italy enter their Nations League opener against Belgium with a side that feels both familiar and entirely new. The 4-3-3 formation he intends to deploy is already taking shape, but injuries and suspensions have forced tactical compromises that could define the Azzurri’s early campaign. Federico Dimarco, Bryan Cristante, and Marco Palestra are all sidelined, while Alessandro Bastoni sits out on suspension, leaving Mancini to navigate a delicate balance between experience and youth.
The front three remains the most intriguing aspect of this XI. Francesco Pio Esposito, the Inter striker, is the clear favorite to partner Nicolò Zaniolo and Daniel Maldini up top, though Mancini has not yet finalized the exact wing positions. Zaniolo and Moise Kean can play either flank, while Nicolò Cambiaghi adds another option, creating a fluid attacking trident that could exploit Belgium’s defensive structure. Behind them, the midfield trio of Lorenzo Pellegrini, Nicolò Barella, and Matteo Romano (the latter a newcomer from Cagliari) will dictate tempo, with Donnarumma’s goalkeeping anchored by a backline that includes Riccardo Calafiori, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, and Giorgio Scalvini.
Mancini’s words ahead of the match reveal the emotional weight of this moment. ‘We must start again,’ he declared, acknowledging the disappointment of recent failures while urging the squad to channel their frustration into performance. The inclusion of nine new faces—from Brentford’s Michael Kayode to Napoli’s Antonio Vergara—signals a deliberate effort to inject energy and adaptability into a side that has struggled with consistency. Yet, the challenge remains immense: Belgium, a side that has dominated European football in recent years, will test Italy’s resolve from the opening whistle.
The tactical approach is clear. Mancini’s team will seek to control possession and dictate play, a philosophy shaped by the lessons of Euro 2024. ‘We want to be proactive, positive, aggressive,’ he said, emphasizing the need to dominate rather than react. The Nations League group—also featuring France and Turkey—demands immediate results, and Italy’s ability to capitalize on early momentum will be critical. With the Stadio Olimpico as their stage, the Azzurri now have one chance to prove that this is the beginning of a new era.
