How the Nations League impacts Italy’s Euro 2028 qualifying draw | OneFootball

Italy begin their 2026–27 Nations League campaign, targeting a top-three finish in their group to secure a seeding spot in the Euro 2028 qualifying draw.

Nations League: promotion and relegation system explained

DORTMUND, GERMANY – MARCH 23: Players of Italy sing the national anthem prior to the UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Leg Two match between Germany and Italy at Football Stadium Dortmund on March 23, 2025 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

The Azzurri’s path through the competition will have a considerable impact on the 2028 Euro qualifiers, as Gazzetta explains.

The Nations League has four groups of four teams each. Winners and runners-up qualify for the quarter-finals. The two highest-ranked third-placed teams remain in League A. The two lowest-ranked third-placed teams face the two highest-ranked fourth-placed teams for a relegation play-off. The two lowest-ranked fourth-placed teams are dropped to League B.

JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – OCTOBER 15: Roberto Mancini coach of Saudi Arabia reacts during the FIFA World Cup Asian 3rd Qualifier Group C match between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain at King Abdullah Sports City on October 15, 2024 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

How the Nations League impacts Euro 2028 qualifying draw

Most importantly, the first, second, and third-ranked teams in each Nations League group will be seeded for the Euro 2028 qualifiers draw on December 6 in Belfast.

The 54 countries competing for a place at the Euros will be divided into 12 groups; six groups will include four teams, and the other six will include five; 24 teams will qualify for the competition.

The 12 group winners and the eight highest-ranked runners-up get direct access to the Euros. The remaining four runners-up will have to go through a qualification play-off.