Mancini ahead of Italy’s Belgium decider: ‘We can win it, but it won’t be easy’

Mancini ahead of Italy’s Belgium decider: ‘We can win it, but it won’t be easy’ Roberto Mancini says it’s a ‘source of pride’ for Italy to be fighting for a place in the Nations League quarter-finals, as they prepare for Sunday’s decider against Belgium in Brussels. With quotes via the Corriere dello Sport , Mancini spoke to Sky after Italy trained at Appiano Gentile and flew out to the Belgian capital. The game at the King Baudouin Stadium kicks off at 20:45 CET [19:45 GMT], with Norway’s Espen Eskås refereeing. Italy top Group A1 on goal difference, level with France on 10 points. A draw will be enough to send them through regardless of France’s game against Turkey, and a win would guarantee top spot. Third-placed Belgium, on nine points, need to win. “Is it worth only three points, or more? Being here and fighting for qualification in the Nations League is a source of pride,” Mancini said. “We’re here and we’re going for it. We can win, even though we know it won’t be easy, because Belgium are a great national team.” MILAN – NOVEMBER 12: Roberto Mancini, Head Coach of Italy, speaks to Riccardo Calafiori during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Italy and France at San Siro Stadium on November 12, 2026 in Milan. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images) Mancini on the Belgium rematch It’s been quite a turnaround for Italy since Mancini’s return in September. That began with a 2-0 home defeat to Belgium in Rome, as fans jeered the team. Since then, Italy have beaten Turkey twice, drawn in France, and beaten Zinedine Zidane’s side 3-1 at San Siro on Thursday . “Since I arrived, I’ve always seen good things,” Mancini said. “I was expecting this and I was positive despite the defeat in the first game. We played well in the second half and maybe even deserved a draw. MILAN – NOVEMBER 12: Pio Esposito of Italy celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammates during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Italy and France at San Siro Stadium on November 12, 2026 in Milan. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images) “We’ll play our game. I think Belgium are a team with good players, technical and quick. It won’t be much different from the game against France.”