Mancini: Two Italy Doubts, Three Versatile Forwards Ahead of Belgium Clash

Roberto Mancini will finalize Italy's starting lineup for the match against Belgium on Friday morning. "There are two doubts," Mancini stated. "Nicolò Zaniolo, Moise Kean, and Nicolò Cambiaghi can all play on the right or left flank."

The UEFA Nations League Group A game kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Friday at 19:45 UK time (20:45 CEST). The group also includes France and Vincenzo Montella's Turkiye.

This marks Mancini's return to the national team following his previous tenure, which saw Italy win EURO 2020 but miss qualification for the 2022 World Cup. He controversially departed in August 2023.

Addressing the current situation upon his return, Mancini commented on the objective for this challenging Nations League group: "To play well from the start, which won't be easy considering we've had just two days to prepare for this game. International football demands quick preparation and results; that's the only remedy. We aim to reach the Nations League Final Four. It's a tough group, but we'll try. I'm eager to hear the national anthem. Many of these players are experienced, and while there's pressure, it's positive pressure born from their passion for the game and the need to enjoy it."

Alessandro Bastoni is suspended, and Federico Dimarco and Bryan Cristante have withdrawn due to injury, creating selection uncertainties for the opening match. "We are close to deciding the starting XI, but two positions are still undecided. We will make the final call tomorrow morning."

Significant competition is expected in the forward line. Moise Kean, Daniel Maldini, and Giacomo Raspadori are vying for one spot, while Nicolò Zaniolo and Nicolò Cambiaghi compete for another. Inter's Francesco Pio Esposito is reportedly the only guaranteed starter in attack.

"Cambiaghi can play on the right or left, just like Kean and Zaniolo," Mancini confirmed.

Regarding Sandro Tonali, Mancini added, "Sandro Tonali had a minor physical issue upon arrival, but hasn't experienced further problems, so he should be fit."

When asked if he could replicate the two-playmaker system used with Jorginho and Marco Verratti, Mancini responded, "Each player has unique characteristics. We have different types of midfielders now compared to Jorginho and Verratti."

Midfielder Alessandro Romano, who has impressed at Cagliari and previously represented Switzerland at the Under-21 level, is expected to make his senior Italy debut. "I didn't know him well before, but he impressed me and I wanted to see more. We believe he can be very useful for the future of the Nazionale. He has vision, plays one-touch football, and Claudio Ranieri's work with him at Roma was also significant. Young players can make initial mistakes, so it's important to support them and believe in them. Mistakes are part of their learning process."