Mancini's First Italy Lineup for Belgium Clash Forms

Roberto Mancini's starting XI for Italy's Nations League opener against Belgium is taking shape. Francesco Pio Esposito, Nicolò Zaniolo, and Daniel Maldini are expected to form the attacking trio.

The match kicks off on Friday at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome at 19:45 UK time (20:45 CEST). France and Turkiye complete the group and will play each other on the same day.

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Mancini plans to deploy a 4-3-3 formation. Certain selections are influenced by injuries to Federico Dimarco, Bryan Cristante, and Marco Palestra, as well as Alessandro Bastoni's suspension.

Inter striker Pio Esposito remains the favorite to lead the attack over Moise Kean. However, the other two forward positions offer several possibilities.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Zaniolo on the right wing and Maldini on the left appear to be the most probable choices, potentially ahead of Nicolò Cambiaghi and Giacomo Raspadori. This represents a significant return for Zaniolo, who had not been called up to the national team for two years.

The midfield appears set, with Alessandro Romano set to make his Italy debut, likely alongside established players Nicolò Barella and Sandro Tonali. Samuele Ricci might miss out.

Riccardo Calafiori is expected to play at left-back, a move from his usual central defence role. Gianluca Mancini is also confirmed in the defense.

The remaining uncertainties lie at right-back between Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Michael Kayode, with the Napoli veteran being the strong favorite. In central defense, Giorgio Scalvini's fitness will be a key factor. If Scalvini is unavailable, Diego Coppola could take his place.

Italy Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Mancini, Scalvini, Calafiori; Barella, Romano, Tonali; Zaniolo, Pio Esposito, Maldini