Italy coach Roberto Mancini returns to the Nazionale after a controversial departure in 2023, but he was the last to win silverware in 2021 with the European Championship. Belgium coach Mark van Bommel has praised Atalanta's Charles De Ketelaere, describing him as a 'complete player'. Van Bommel has decided to start De Ketelaere as a False 9 against Italy, citing his impressive performance at the World Cup, where he showcased his intelligence, ability to protect the ball, turn and attack the space, good passing and positioning.
The match between Italy and Belgium kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST). Italy are unbeaten against Belgium in competitive fixtures since a 2-1 European Championship play-off in May 1972, securing five victories and two draws. The most recent was in the Nations League, 1-0 in Brussels in November 2024, with Luciano Spalletti on the bench. Van Bommel's first coaching job since leaving in 2024 is with Belgium, and he is set to face Italy in the Nations League. The team features more Serie A players in the starting XI, including Napoli midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and Milan summer signing Diego Moreira in the trident attack of a 4-3-3 formation.