Italy begin a new era on Friday night as returning head coach Roberto Mancini takes charge for the first time in a Nations League showdown against Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
Mancini, who previously managed Manchester City and Inter Milan, returns three years after stepping down from the Italy role. He replaces Gennaro Gattuso after leaving Qatar Stars League side Al-Sadd by mutual consent in June.
Belgium also under new management
Belgium have also made a change, with Mark van Bommel succeeding Rudi Garcia after the team reached the World Cup quarter-finals, where they were beaten by eventual winners Spain.
Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia is on course to win just his second Belgium cap, while Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans, Leandro Trossard and Romelu Lukaku have been named in the squad for the autumn international break.
Kick-off time and how to watch
Italy vs Belgium kicks off at 7.45pm BST on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
UK viewers can watch the game on Prime Video UK, the UK broadcaster for Nations League matches that do not involve England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Each game costs £2.49, and coverage begins around 10 minutes before kick-off.
