Image Source: BBC
Italy vs Belgium is set to provide a major early test in the UEFA Nations League, with both teams meeting at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico on Friday, 25 September 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:45 UK time, and the latest BBC match information shows both sides preparing for a closely watched League A, Group 1 contest.
The match begins with both nations on zero points in the group standings. France and Turkey complete the section, meaning every result could prove important as the teams battle for quarter-final places and avoid the pressure of a relegation play-off.
Italy vs Belgium lineups confirmed for Rome clash
Italy manager Roberto Mancini has selected a 4-3-3 formation, with captain Gianluigi Donnarumma starting in goal. The defensive line features Riccardo Calafiori, Diego Coppola, Gianluca Mancini and Giovanni Di Lorenzo.
In midfield, Sandro Tonali, A. Romano and Nicolò Barella will aim to control possession and supply the attacking players. Moise Kean leads the front three, joined by Francesco Esposito and Nicolò Cambiaghi.
Belgium manager Mark van Bommel has opted for a 4-2-3-1 system. Senne Lammens starts in goal, behind a defence of Maxim De Cuyper, Brandon Mechele, Noah Ngoy and Timothy Castagne.
Youri Tielemans captains Belgium from midfield alongside Nicolas Raskin. The attacking line includes K. Godts, Kevin De Bruyne and D. Moreira, with Charles De Ketelaere selected as the central striker.
Powerful attacking options wait on the bench
Belgium have considerable experience among their substitutes. Romelu Lukaku, Loïs Openda, Dodi Lukébakio, Arthur Theate, Hans Vanaken and Roméo Lavia are all available to Van Bommel if the game requires a change in momentum.
Italy also have attacking reinforcements available, including Giacomo Raspadori, Gianluca Scamacca and Daniel Maldini. Davide Frattesi and Gianluca Scalvini provide further options as the match develops.
- Italy formation: 4-3-3
- Belgium formation: 4-2-3-1
- Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
- Kick-off: 19:45 UK time
- Italy captain: Gianluigi Donnarumma
- Belgium captain: Youri Tielemans
Italy hold the recent head-to-head advantage
The previous Nations League meetings between Italy and Belgium offer an intriguing backdrop. Italy won the latest encounter 1-0 on 14 November 2024, following a 2-2 draw in October of the same year. Italy also recorded a 2-1 victory over Belgium in October 2021.
Those recent results give Italy a narrow psychological advantage, although the current match features different tactical choices and a new contest at the Stadio Olimpico. The early stages may be shaped by whether Italy can use its midfield three to dictate play or whether Belgium’s attacking midfielders can find space behind the Italian defence.
Critical group points are at stake
Although the competition is only beginning, the outcome could have an immediate impact on League A, Group 1. The top two positions lead to the quarter-finals, while third place carries the threat of a relegation play-off and fourth place means direct relegation.
Pre-match statistics remain at zero, with no possession, shots, saves or corners recorded before the action gets fully under way. BBC’s live match information listed the teams as warming up shortly after the lineups were announced.
Italy enter the contest after a mixed run of results that includes wins over Greece, Luxembourg and Northern Ireland, a draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina and a defeat by Norway. Belgium’s recent form includes victories against the United States, Senegal and New Zealand, alongside a draw with Iran and a loss to Spain.
With De Bruyne starting for Belgium and Lukaku waiting among the substitutes, Van Bommel has chosen a mobile attacking setup. Mancini, meanwhile, will look to Kean, Esposito and Cambiaghi to stretch the Belgian defence from the opening whistle.
What to expect from Italy vs Belgium
The opening exchanges could be decisive. Italy are likely to seek control through Tonali and Barella, while Belgium can threaten through De Bruyne’s creativity and the movement of De Ketelaere. Donnarumma’s leadership will also be central as Italy attempt to protect home advantage.
With both teams beginning on zero points, this is more than a high-profile friendly. It is an important Nations League fixture that may set the tone for the group. The match officials are led by referee Daniel Siebert, with Bastian Dankert serving as video assistant referee.
Frequently asked questions
When is Italy vs Belgium?
Italy vs Belgium is scheduled for Friday, 25 September 2026, with kick-off at 19:45 UK time.
Where is the match being played?
The UEFA Nations League match is being played at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
Who is captaining Italy?
Gianluigi Donnarumma is captaining Italy and starts in goal under manager Roberto Mancini.
Who is captaining Belgium?
Youri Tielemans is Belgium’s captain and starts in midfield alongside Nicolas Raskin.
What were the latest Italy and Belgium results against each other?
Italy won the latest meeting 1-0 on 14 November 2024. The teams drew 2-2 in October 2024.
