Italy vs Belgium prediction 25.09.2026 | UEFA Nations League

Italy return to the Stadio Olimpico after a turbulent summer that ended with Roberto Mancini returning for a second spell as head coach.

The Azzurri failed to qualify for a third successive World Cup after losing their playoff final against Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties. They responded with low-key 1:0 friendly victories against Luxembourg and Greece in June.

Despite their failure to reach the finals, Italy have been in good form over the last year, outside of their defeat against Bosnia. The Italians won nine of their last 11 internationals, while they scored at least one goal in each of those fixtures.

Mancini has made significant changes for the opening Nations League fixtures, naming nine uncapped players in an expanded 34-man squad. Michael Kayode, Samuele Inacio and Mohamed Ali Zoma are among the newcomers hoping to earn their first senior appearances.

Mateo Retegui has been omitted despite his strong club form, while Manuel Locatelli and Andrea Cambiaso are unavailable through injury.

Belgium begin a new era after appointing Mark van Bommel as their head coach following an encouraging World Cup campaign.

The Red Devils reached the quarter-finals before suffering a painful 2:1 defeat against eventual champions Spain. Charles De Ketelaere cancelled out Fabian Ruiz's opener, but Mikel Merino struck late to end Belgium's 18-match unbeaten run.

Belgium also proved an entertaining outfit to watch at the World Cup. Five of their six games finished with both teams on the scoresheet. 

Thibaut Courtois will sit out the Nations League campaign after agreeing to take a break from international duty. Senne Lammens will compete with Mike Penders and Maarten Vandevoordt for the goalkeeper jersey.

Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Leandro Trossard are included in Van Bommel's first squad, while Mika Godts has earned a recall after missing the World Cup.