Mancini picks Italy’s starting striker for Nations League opener vs. Belgium

Mancini picks Italy’s starting striker for Nations League opener vs. Belgium Multiple sources claim Francesco Pio Esposito will start as Italy’s centre-forward in Friday’s Nations League game against Belgium. Italy coach Mancini has already chosen Pio Esposito as Italy’s starting striker for their 2026-27 Nations League debut against Belgium. Mancini picks Pio Esposito for Italy vs. Belgium MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Pio Esposito of Italy celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Gazzetta and other Italian sources claim that the 21-year-old has been picked as the centre-forward for Mancini’s ‘second’ debut as the Italy head coach later this week. Mancini has called up 34 players for upcoming matches against Belgium, France and Turkey, which Italy will face at home and away. ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 19: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Francesco Pio Esposito during the Serie A match between AS Roma and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico on September 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images) Pio Esposito is among the centre-forwards alongside Moise Kean, Gianluca Scamacca and his brother Sebastiano. During his first training session at Coverciano on Monday, Mancini tested a 4-3-3 system, so Pio Esposito is expected to start as a lone striker with two attacking wingers joining him up front. Pio Esposito has already scored five goals in nine appearances across all competitions with the Italy national team, averaging one goal every 93,6 minutes. The Italy international has netted twice in five appearances across all competitions so far this season, adding one assist. Earlier this month, he signed a contract extension with the Nerazzurri until June 2032.