Italy host Belgium in Rome tonight in their 2026/27 UEFA Nations League opener. Get the EAT kick-off time, team news, players to watch, and prediction.
Italy begin their 2026/27 UEFA Nations League campaign against Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome tonight, Friday, September 25, 2026.
The League A Group 1 encounter brings together two teams beginning new coaching chapters. Roberto Mancini has returned for a second spell with Italy, while former Netherlands midfielder Mark van Bommel will oversee his first match as Belgium’s national-team coach.
Kick-off is scheduled for 9:45 p.m. East African Time.
Match Details
| Match detail | Information |
| Fixture | Italy vs Belgium |
| Competition | UEFA Nations League |
| Group | League A, Group 1 |
| Date | Friday, September 25, 2026 |
| Kick-off in Uganda | 9:45 p.m. EAT |
| Venue | Stadio Olimpico, Rome |
| Referee | Daniel Siebert |
| Italy coach | Roberto Mancini |
| Belgium coach | Mark van Bommel |
UEFA confirms the venue and German referee Daniel Siebert, assisted by Jan Seidel and Rafael Foltyn. Bastian Dankert will serve as the video assistant referee.
Mancini Begins Second Italy Spell
The match marks Mancini’s return to the Italy technical area after previously coaching the national team between 2018 and 2023.
His first spell included victory at the delayed Euro 2020 tournament, but Italy subsequently failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. Mancini later left the position before accepting the Saudi Arabia job.
He now returns with Italy attempting to rebuild after another disappointing international tournament. His opening squad includes a mixture of experienced players and nine uncapped selections.
Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Barella provide an established core, while younger players have an opportunity to establish themselves during a demanding Nations League schedule.
Mancini has said he wants Italy to become a team capable of dominating matches and improving its international ranking. Belgium will provide an immediate test of whether that ambition can be translated onto the pitch.
Italy Team News
Italy enter the match without Federico Dimarco, who withdrew after undergoing a medical assessment for a physical problem. Aston Villa defender Matteo Ruggeri was subsequently called into the squad.
Manuel Locatelli and Andrea Cambiaso are also unavailable through injury, limiting Mancini’s options among players associated with Juventus.
The coach has recalled Nicolò Fagioli, Nicolò Zaniolo and Rolando Mandragora. Several younger players could also earn senior debuts during the extended international window, although Mancini may initially favour experience against Belgium.
Donnarumma is expected to remain an important figure in goal. Tonali and Barella offer quality in midfield, while the selection of Italy’s central striker represents one of Mancini’s major tactical decisions.
Van Bommel Starts Belgium Rebuild
Belgium also arrive in Rome under a returning theme of change.
Van Bommel replaced Rudi Garcia after Belgium’s 2026 World Cup campaign ended against Spain in the quarter finals. His contract runs through Euro 2028, giving him responsibility for refreshing a squad that still contains several members of Belgium’s experienced generation.
Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Leandro Trossard remain among the notable players available. However, Van Bommel has also introduced younger options as Belgium attempts to build a competitive side for the next tournament cycle.
The new coach’s previous club experience includes spells with PSV Eindhoven, Wolfsburg and Royal Antwerp. His Antwerp team won the Belgian league and cup double, demonstrating his ability to construct a competitive unit in a demanding environment.
Belgium Team News
Belgium will be without first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The Real Madrid goalkeeper and Van Bommel agreed that he would sit out the Nations League programme as part of managing his workload.
Senne Lammens, Mike Penders, Maarten Vandevoordt and Jari De Busser are among the goalkeepers selected for the international period.
Jérémy Doku and Amadou Onana are unavailable through injury. Their absences remove two players capable of giving Belgium speed, ball-carrying ability and physical strength.
Alexis Saelemaekers and Thomas Meunier were not selected, while Axel Witsel has retired from international football. Young full-back Kyriani Sabbe and attacker Mika Godts are among the less-experienced players looking to impress the new coach.
Players to Watch
Sandro Tonali — Italy
Tonali’s passing range and ability to resist pressure could be important against Belgium’s experienced midfield. Italy will expect him to help control possession and move the ball quickly into attacking areas.
Nicolò Barella — Italy
Barella provides energy, intelligent movement and a goal threat from midfield. His pressing and late runs into the penalty area could challenge Belgium’s defensive organisation.
Kevin De Bruyne — Belgium
De Bruyne remains Belgium’s principal creator. His passing between defensive lines and delivery from set pieces can change a match even when his team does not control possession.
Romelu Lukaku — Belgium
Lukaku offers strength, movement and extensive international experience. His duel with Italy’s central defenders could determine whether Belgium can establish an attacking platform.
Head-to-Head Record
UEFA’s match information gives Italy a clear historical advantage over Belgium.
| Head-to-head statistic | Record |
| Italy wins | 17 |
| Draws | 5 |
| Belgium wins | 4 |
| Italy goals | 50 |
| Belgium goals | 28 |
Historical results provide context but do not determine tonight’s outcome. Both teams have different coaches, altered squads, and several unavailable players.
Tactical Battle
Mancini is likely to ask Italy to control possession and build patiently through midfield. The hosts will need enough width to stretch Belgium while ensuring they remain protected against counterattacks.
Belgium’s approach is less certain because this is Van Bommel’s first match. De Bruyne’s positioning will be central to their attacking structure, while Lukaku can occupy defenders and create space for supporting runners.
The absence of Doku removes one of Belgium’s most direct wide threats. Italy may therefore attempt to press aggressively and force the visitors to progress through crowded central areas.
Set pieces could also be important. Both squads contain strong aerial players, while De Bruyne offers high-quality delivery for Belgium.
Prediction
This is a difficult opening match to assess because both coaches are beginning new tenures and experimenting with refreshed squads.
Italy have home advantage and the superior historical record, but Belgium still possess players capable of deciding the game individually. The absences on both sides could contribute to a cautious opening as the teams attempt to understand their new tactical instructions.
Prediction: Italy 1-1 Belgium.
This score is an editorial forecast, not a guaranteed outcome.
What the Match Means for Ugandan Supporters
The 9:45 p.m. EAT kick-off gives Ugandan supporters an opportunity to follow the match during Friday’s evening viewing period. The fixture should attract fans of European club football because both squads feature players associated with the Premier League, Serie A and other major competitions.
Italy’s squad includes familiar names such as Sandro Tonali, Nicolò Barella and Gianluigi Donnarumma, while Belgium can call upon Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Leandro Trossard. The match will also give viewers their first competitive look at Roberto Mancini’s second spell with Italy and Mark van Bommel’s new era as Belgium coach.
Beyond the individual stars, the contest offers an early indication of how two rebuilding national teams may approach the 2026/27 Nations League. Ugandan supporters can watch for Italy’s possession-based midfield play, Belgium’s transition threat and the tactical decisions made by both new coaches. With France and Türkiye also in Group A1, points collected in Rome could influence the early qualification picture.
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Final Thoughts
Italy against Belgium is one of the most intriguing opening fixtures of the Nations League because both countries are starting new coaching cycles. Mancini returns with the challenge of rebuilding Italy, while Van Bommel must balance Belgium’s established stars with emerging players.
Home advantage may help the Azzurri, but De Bruyne and Lukaku give Belgium sufficient quality to challenge in Rome. A close contest appears likely when the teams kick off at 9:45 p.m. EAT.
