After missing last three World Cups, Italy look to reset against Belgium | OneFootball

Italy host Belgium in the Nations League on Friday as they try to turn the page on March’s Bosnia play-off exit, which sealed a third straight World Cup absence. According to L'Équipe, the tie is in Rome at 20.45, live on the L'Équipe channel.

That defeat came after a 1-1 draw, then a 1-4 loss on penalties, ending their qualification hopes once again.

Returning to the Italy bench three years after leaving, Roberto Mancini projected his usual confidence. Speaking in Rome on Thursday, he said the focus must move beyond Bosnia and that his players are ready.

Captain Gianluigi Donnarumma echoed that stance, describing a long and very difficult summer and stressing a strong desire to start a new cycle.

That reset is set to involve fresh faces, including Cagliari midfielder Alessandro Romano, 20, a former Switzerland youth international who has opted for Italy. He is expected to start in a 4-3-3, while Paris FC defender Diego Coppola could line up at centre-back with Alessandro Bastoni suspended.

Source: L'Équipe

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