Italy - Belgium

Giacomo Raspadori leads the Italian attack as Italy host Belgium on 25 September 2026 in the opening round of the UEFA Nations League A Group 1. The Azzurri will look to build on their recent success against the visitors, having secured a narrow 1-0 victory in their last meeting on 14 November 2024. Despite the absence of key defensive figures Alessandro Bastoni and Federico Dimarco, the expected XI remains anchored by the experience of Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal and Nicolo Barella in midfield, aiming to control the tempo at Stadio Olimpico, Rome.

Belgium travel to Rome with Kevin De Bruyne expected to orchestrate their creative efforts, though the visitors must navigate the match without the injured Leandro Trossard and Amadou Onana. Following a competitive 2-2 draw between these sides in October 2024, the visitors will look to exploit gaps in an Italian backline currently missing established starters. With both nations eager to establish momentum in this group stage opener, the tactical battle between the midfield units will likely define the outcome of this high-stakes encounter.