Italy, Days After Bitter Defeat
September 27, 2026 · PerúItalia
After a disappointing defeat to Belgium, Italy are planning a revolution in the squad ahead of the match against Türkiye, with coach Roberto Mancini seeking to respond to the criticism.
Italy, Days After Bitter Defeat
Why this is important
The 2-0 defeat against Belgium in the inaugural Nations League match was a critical moment for Italy. The national team must respond immediately to maintain their chances in the group and avoid further pressure from criticism aimed at coach Roberto Mancini and his squad. The match against Türkiye will be an important determinant for this season and the team's future.
Background
Roberto Mancini, Italy coach, is now under pressure after the defeat to Belgium. With changes planned, including the possible return of Bastoni and a new look from Kayode, hopes of improving the team's performance largely depend on the decisions taken ahead of the match against Turkey.
Main Points
- Italy, Days After Bitter Defeat.
- After a disappointing defeat to Belgium, Italy plans to revolutionize the team ahead of the match against Türkiye, with coach Roberto Mancini seeking to respond to the criticism that has hit them.
- Italy, è un day after amaro: Mancini prepara la rivoluzione, intanto piovono critiche.
Currently, Italy's focus is on responding quickly in their next match against Türkiye which is scheduled to take place on Monday. This match is very important to prevent the situation in the group from becoming more complicated. The Italian national team gathered at the Centro di Preparazione Olimpica Giulio Onesti, where the players who started against Belgium underwent a recovery session in the pool, while the others trained on the pitch.
Mancini looks set to make significant changes to his line-up, with at least five changes expected. Michael Kayode is predicted to replace Di Lorenzo at right-back, while Bastoni returns to the starting position after his suspension, replacing Coppola. In midfield, Frattesi is ready to replace Romano. Up front, Raspadori and Maldini are competing fiercely for places, while Scamacca remains a strong alternative. One of Barella or Tonali is also likely to be rested, giving Mandragora space to feature.
Unfortunately, bad news came from the treatment room. Nicolò Zaniolo, who was previously absent against Belgium, has not yet recovered from a muscle injury and is certain to leave the training camp to return to Udinese. Zaniolo will miss the next three matches in the Nations League.
This defeat at the Stadio Olimpico has sparked heated debate. Fabio Caressa asked people not to rush into judgment after just two training sessions in this new era. He highlighted that Romano only found out that he could be called up only a few days before the match and was unlikely to immediately appear like Rodri within a week. However, Caressa also expressed concern at the defensive weaknesses apparent during the first half and called for the experienced players, especially Tonali, to show more character.
More harshly, Fabio Ravezzani called the performance "a massacre" and "a shameful match", noting that Italy had not lost an official match in Rome since 2013. Much criticism was also directed at the decision to recall Mancini after his less successful experience with the Saudi Arabian national team.
Maurizio Pistocchi also highlighted the wider crisis in Italian football, stating that it would be unwise to give false hope about the time needed to rebuild the team, while criticizing the management of national football.
In a more balanced analysis, Paolo Condò in Corriere della Sera emphasized that Belgium dominated the first half in every area of the pitch, but that Mancini's main challenge was to rebuild the confidence of a team that had endured difficult times. According to Condò, the only one who deserves credit is Donnarumma, who was instrumental in preventing an even bigger defeat.
Statistics show a deepening crisis. Between 1934 and 2021, Italy suffered only three home defeats in official matches; However, in the last five years, home defeats have reached seven times. It's time to no longer look back; Italy needs a quick response against Türkiye in Bursa to revive a new cycle and move away from the shadows.
What happened next
Italy is scheduled to face Türkiye in a very important match to improve their position in the Nations League group. Coach Mancini is expected to make at least five changes to the line-up to improve the team's performance. With several key players injured, strategic decisions will greatly influence the outcome of matches and the outlook for this season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the score of the match Italy vs Belgium?
Italy lost 2-0 to Belgium.
How will this defeat impact Italy's position in the standings?
This defeat makes Italy's situation in the group even more complicated.
When is the next match for Italy?
The next match for Italy is against Türkiye on Monday.
Which player is predicted to replace Di Lorenzo?
Michael Kayode is predicted to replace Di Lorenzo in the right-back position.
Will Nicolò Zaniolo play in the upcoming match?
Nicolò Zaniolo will certainly be absent from the next three matches due to injury.