Roberto Mancini views Italy’s fight for a place in the Nations League quarter-finals as a significant achievement, as the team gears up for a crucial match against Belgium in Brussels this Sunday. Speaking to Sky following Italy’s training session at Appiano Gentile, Mancini noted the importance of the game, which kicks off at the King Baudouin Stadium at 20:45 CET [19:45 GMT], with Norway’s Espen Eskås set to officiate.
Italy currently leads Group A1 on goal difference, tied with France at 10 points. A draw against Belgium will secure their progression, irrespective of France’s match against Turkey, while a victory would ensure they finish atop the group. Belgium, in third place with nine points, must win to advance.
“Is it worth only three points, or more? Being here and fighting for qualification in the Nations League is a source of pride,” Mancini stated. “We’re here and we’re going for it. We can win, even though we know it won’t be easy, because Belgium are a great national team.”
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MILAN – NOVEMBER 12: Roberto Mancini, Head Coach of Italy, speaks to Riccardo Calafiori during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Italy and France at San Siro Stadium on November 12, 2026, in Milan. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
It has been a transformative period for Italy since Mancini’s return in September, which commenced with a 2-0 loss to Belgium in Rome, a match that left fans frustrated. Since then, Italy has achieved victories over Turkey twice and earned a draw in France, culminating in a 3-1 triumph over Zinedine Zidane’s team at San Siro last Thursday.
“Since I arrived, I’ve always seen good things,” Mancini reflected. “I was expecting this and I was positive despite the defeat in the first game. We played well in the second half and maybe even deserved a draw.”
MILAN – NOVEMBER 12: Pio Esposito of Italy celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammates during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Italy and France at San Siro Stadium on November 12, 2026, in Milan. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
“We’ll play our game. I think Belgium are a team with good players, technical and quick. It won’t be much different from the game against France.”
