Italy, Mancini: “Calafiori needs assessing, Dimarco as a winger is an idea I’ve had for some time. Belgium are like France; I was already positive after the first-leg defeat”

Italy bid to progress to the finals of the 2026/2027 Nations League away to Belgium, with two of the three possible results enough to see them through. Roberto Mancini said at a press conference that he was proud to have this chance.

A draw would do, but they want victory. Roberto Mancini's Italy face Belgium tomorrow at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, kicking off at 20.45, with a place in the final stage of the 2026/2027 Nations League at stake.

Beating France sent the Azzurri top of Group 1 in League A, one point clear of Belgium. A draw would seal qualification regardless of France's result.

Belgium inflicted a heavy defeat on the Azzurri in their first meeting. Speaking to Sky and at a press conference today, head coach Mancini urged calm, though he is proud to have this opportunity.

Pride: "To be here and playing for qualification in this group is a source of pride because of what the players have done so far. It will not be easy; Belgium are an excellent national team".

On the first meeting: "I was fairly positive even after the defeat in the first meeting: I think the team played a different game in the second half, although overall Belgium perhaps deserved to win it."

Belgium like France: "We will play our game as we always have. I think Belgium are a team made up of technically skilled and quick players; they are not very different from France."

Selection doubts: "Any doubts ahead of the final training session? We'll see tomorrow morning. The players did a recovery session today and we'll assess their condition tomorrow. We thought we would have Cambiaghi back; we tried this morning, but he was in pain. We will definitely make two changes (Cambiaghi and Frattesi), but we need to assess who needs a rest."

Calafiori and Dimarco on the wing: "Yes, we'll have to assess it tomorrow. Playing Dimarco there is an option we've been considering for some time. We'll decide tomorrow; things have to be judged according to the match, including as it unfolds."

Watch out for Belgium: "A dangerous match? Definitely, because it's the last one. We start with a slight advantage, but that doesn't mean we should settle for it. It will be a good match against a team who went out to Spain at the World Cup only in the last minute."