Nations League: Italy Target Victory vs Belgium; Mancini Vows Quick Wins

Roberto Mancini has made a dramatic return as Italy head coach, taking charge of the Azzurri for the third time with the mission of reviving a national team that has failed to qualify for three consecutive major tournament finals. Italy will host Belgium in UEFA Nations League Group A1 at Rome on September 26 at 02:45 Hong Kong time, in what promises to be a challenging fixture against the world's eighth-ranked team. Mancini, 61, previously led Italy to Euro 2020 glory before stepping down. His return comes alongside technical director Claudio Ranieri and youth project liaison Gianfranco Zola, forming a new leadership troika to restore the former four-time World Cup champions. The veteran coach has summoned an expanded squad of over 30 players for the Nations League campaign, including established stars such as goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, defender Giovanni Di Lorenzo, midfielders Nicolo Barella and Sandro Tonali, and forwards Moise Kean, Gianluca Scamacca, and Giacomo Raspadori. New faces include Brentford defender Michael Koyode, Sporting CP midfielder Issa Doumbia, and Sassuolo striker Sebastiano Esposito.

Mancini's return signals Italy's desperate attempt to end their major tournament qualification drought, with the Nations League representing a crucial pathway to restore confidence and climbing the world rankings 1. Belgium, meanwhile, is undergoing its own transition under first-time national team coach van Bommel, making this encounter a pivotal test for both nations' rebuild projects 1.