Mancini set for emotional Italy return against Belgium in Rome
Roberto Mancini expects an emotional return to the Italy dugout when the Azzurri meet Belgium at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico, with the coach hoping for another major night at the venue that framed key moments of the Euro 2020 triumph.
Rome return carries Euro memories
Italy face Belgium on Thursday with Mancini back in charge after his controversial exit from the national team in the summer of 2023. The Olimpico is closely tied to his previous spell, having staged several of Italy’s standout Euro 2020 occasions on the way to lifting the trophy.
Mancini said the occasion would naturally carry feeling after the success enjoyed in Rome, adding that his team want to create another positive result there.
The match also launches a new Nations League push for Italy, a competition they have yet to win. Their best finishes were third place in 2020-21 and again in 2022-23.
- Opponent: Belgium
- Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
- Italy’s Nations League best result: third place
- Third-place campaigns: 2020-21 and 2022-23
World Cup pain remains in focus
Italy’s failure to reach the next World Cup remains a heavy backdrop to the Belgium fixture. Mancini had been in charge when the Azzurri missed the 2022 finals, and the team subsequently lost a 2026 qualifying play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties.
It means Italy, four-time world champions and winners most recently in 2006, have now missed three successive World Cups following their absence from the 2018 tournament.
Mancini accepted that football can produce painful and unusual defeats, but insisted the immediate task is to learn from the setback rather than become trapped by it. His message is to retain the memory of the disappointment while concentrating on what comes next.
New faces but no instant overhaul
Brentford’s Michael Kayode and Cagliari player Alessandro Romano are among the newer faces brought into the group as Mancini seeks fresh energy. But the Italy boss has warned that a wholesale tactical reset is difficult during a short international window.
The squad have had only two full training sessions, with Monday reserved for recovery work. Mancini said the limited time had nevertheless allowed his staff and players to get a closer look at call-ups previously assessed mainly through scouting.
Kean and Esposito option under consideration
Italy are expected to begin in a 4-3-3, although the make-up of the front line remains undecided. Moise Kean and Francesco Pio Esposito could potentially start together rather than compete solely for one central-striker place.
Mancini did not reveal his final selection, but confirmed that using both forwards is an option. He said Italy have several possible combinations and stressed that the players are keen to make an impact.
The next step is Thursday’s meeting with Belgium, when Mancini’s selection decisions and Italy’s response to their World Cup setback will be tested in Rome.
