Italy name Francesco Pio Esposito to lead attack against Belgium in Nations League

Roberto Mancini has named Francesco Pio Esposito in Italy’s starting line-up for their Nations League meeting with Belgium.

Italy face Belgium in their sixth and final group-stage match, with kick-off approaching. Esposito will lead the attack alongside Niccolo Pisilli and Luca Koleosho.

Italy are top of the group on 10 points, level with second-placed France. Belgium are third with nine points, while Turkiye are bottom without a point.

France face Turkiye in the other fixture, with both matches set to determine the qualifying places and final group standings.

Italy’s starting XI is:

Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma

Defenders: Michael Kayode, Giorgio Scalvini, Alessandro Bastoni, Riccardo Calafiori

Midfielders: Nicolo Barella, Sandro Tonali, Nicolo Fagioli

Forwards: Niccolo Pisilli, Francesco Pio Esposito, Luca Koleosho