Mancini: Italy proud to be chasing Nations League quarter-final place

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 evening.

Mancini spoke to Sky Sport after Italy completed their final training session at the Appiano Gentile training centre. The squad then travelled to Belgium for the match at King Baudouin Stadium, which will be refereed by Norwegian official Espen Eskas.

Italy lead League A Group 1 with 10 points, ahead of France on goal difference. Belgium are third on nine points.

A draw will be enough for Italy to secure a place in the quarter-finals, regardless of the result between France and Turkey. Victory would guarantee top spot in the group. Belgium, meanwhile, must win to keep their qualification hopes alive.

“Does this match count for three points only, or is it worth more than that?” Mancini said, in comments reported by Corriere dello Sport.

“Being here and competing with the others for qualification in the Nations League is a source of pride for us. We are here to achieve our objective and we can win, although we know it will not be easy because Belgium are a major team.”

Italy’s form has improved significantly since Mancini returned as head coach in September. They began this campaign with a 2-0 home defeat by Belgium in Rome, a result that was met by jeers from the supporters.

They responded with two victories over Turkey, a draw away to France and a 3-1 win against Zinedine Zidane’s France 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 played well in the second half and perhaps deserved to come away with a draw.”

The Italy manager added that his side would not alter their approach for the return meeting with Belgium.

“We will play in our usual way,” he said. “I believe Belgium have good players who possess skill and speed, and the match will not be very different from our game against France.”

Italy have never won the UEFA Nations League since the tournament began in the 2018-2019 season. Their best finishes came with third-place results in the 2020-2021 and 2022-2023 editions.

Belgium won the teams’ previous meeting, played at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico, 2-0. Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio scored the goals.