Mancini proud as Italy close in on Nations League last eight

Roberto Mancini says Italy’s bid to reach the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals is a source of “great pride” as they prepare for a decisive meeting with Belgium in Brussels on Sunday, 15 November 2026.

Italy lead League A Group 1 with 10 points, ahead of France on goal difference. Belgium are third on nine points, meaning Italy need only avoid defeat at King Baudouin Stadium to secure their place in the last eight, regardless of the result between France and Turkey.

Victory would guarantee Italy top spot in the group. Belgium, meanwhile, must win to keep their qualification hopes alive.

The match will be refereed by Norwegian official Espen Eskas. Speaking to Sky Sports after Italy’s final training session at the Appiano Gentile training centre, before the squad travelled to the Belgian capital, Mancini acknowledged the importance of the contest.

“Does this match represent three points only, or more than that?” Mancini said, in comments reported by Corriere dello Sport. “Our presence here and competing with the others for qualification in the Nations League is a source of pride for us.

“We are here pursuing our objective and we can win, although we know it will not be easy because Belgium are a great team.”

Italy’s form has changed significantly since Mancini returned to the dugout in September. They began this period with a 2-0 home defeat by Belgium in Rome, a result that was met by jeers from the supporters.

They then recovered with two victories over Turkey, drew away to France and beat Zinedine Zidane’s France 3-1 at San Siro on Thursday.

Mancini said he had remained confident despite the difficult start.

“Since I arrived, I have always seen positive things and I expected this improvement,” he said. “I kept my optimism despite the defeat in the first match. We performed well in the second half and perhaps deserved to come away with a draw.”

He also insisted Italy would not alter their approach for the return meeting with Belgium.

“We will play in our usual way,” Mancini said. “I believe Belgium have good players who possess skill and pace, and the match will not be much different from our meeting with France.”

Italy have never won the Nations League since the competition began in the 2018-2019 season. Their best finishes came in the 2020-2021 and 2022-2023 editions, when they placed third.

Belgium won the teams’ first meeting 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, with Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio scoring. Belgium now need another victory to overturn the group situation and move into the quarter-finals.