Mancini's Italy XI takes shape for Belgium opener

Italy's Nations League opener against Belgium is approaching, and Roberto Mancini's starting lineup is coming into focus.

R. Mancini

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What happened. Roberto Mancini's Italy starting XI for the Nations League opener against Belgium is taking shape, with Francesco Pio Esposito, Nicolò Zaniolo and Daniel Maldini expected upfront. Mancini intends to use a 4-3-3 formation, but injuries to Federico Dimarco, Bryan Cristante and Marco Palestra, plus Alessandro Bastoni's suspension, have forced some choices.

• Zaniolo returns after two years without a call-up.
• Alessandro Romano set for Italy debut in midfield.
• Calafiori to play left-back; right-back choice between Di Lorenzo and Kayode.

Italy face Belgium in Rome on Friday, with the group also including France and Turkiye.

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