Roberto Mancini begins his second stint in charge of the Italian national team against Belgium on September 25, when the sides collide at Stadio Olimpico in the Nations League.

Mancini Hoping to Reverse the Fortunes of the National Team

Roberto Mancini led Italy to EURO 2020 success, and he will now be tasked with reviving a nation's hopes after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Italy’s leaky defensive record needs addressing, as the team have allowed five goals in as many internationals. Scoring has also been an issue, with no more than two goals in four of their previous five.

Federico Dimarco, Federico Chiesa, and Mateo Retegui have all missed out on a place in Mancini’s first squad. Giacomo Raspadori could lead the line after scoring once in four appearances for Atalanta this season.

Italy predicted lineup vs Belgium (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Mancini, Bastoni, Scalvini, Calafiori; Tonali, Ricci, Barella; Kean, Raspadori, Zaniolo

Belgium Aiming to Recover Following Underwhelming World Cup

Mark van Bommel takes charge of Belgium for the first time this week after their early exit in the World Cup quarterfinals. Belgium will need to improve offensively, having failed to score more than once in half of their previous six.

They have also allowed at least one goal in five fixtures over the same period. Experienced midfielders Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans have been included in the squad.

Leandro Trossard will likely start after registering two goal involvements in five appearances for Besiktas. Amadou Onana misses out due to injury, while Jeremy Doku is also unavailable.

Belgium predicted lineup vs Italy (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Castagne, Debast, Theate, De Cuyper; Tielemans, Vanaken; De Ketelaere, De Bruyne, Trossard; Openda

Italy vs Belgium Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Total Over 1.5 Goals
  • Odds: 1.22 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: 8N6AJ
  • Correct score prediction: Italy 2-1 Belgium

Key stats:

  • Eight of Italy’s last ten fixtures have featured at least two goals.
  • Over 1.5 goals have been netted in seven of Belgium’s previous eight.
  • Five of the last six head-to-heads have seen over 1.5 goals scored.

An entertaining clash should be expected at the Stadio Olimpico this week. Despite their struggles in qualifying for the World Cup, Italy’s matches have still been exciting, with eight of their previous ten seeing at least two goals scored.

The only matches that didn't breach the benchmark came in the May internationals, when wholesale changes were made to the squad. Seven of Belgium’s last eight have also seen over 1.5 goals scored.

Head-to-head trends support the chances of the selection, with five of the previous six seeing at least two goals registered.

Italy vs Belgium Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Italy
  • Odds: 2.165 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: 5ATAJ

Mancini will be targeting a dream start to his second Italy tenure. The hosts will be expected to take a victory under their new head coach after winning back-to-back encounters since losing in the World Cup playoffs. Italy have also won three of their previous four home fixtures and Belgium have failed to win in half of their last six internationals.

Head-to-head trends also support the chances of the hosts, with Italy winning four of the five most recent clashes.

Verdict: Over 1.5 Goals (1.22) — Italy 2-1 Belgium