Roberto Mancini is bracing himself for an evocative night at the Stadio Olimpico as he prepares to lead Italy once again in a high-stakes Nations League encounter against Belgium. The veteran coach returns to the national team dugout seeking redemption following the country's devastating failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Gianluigi Donnarumma has opened up on the lingering trauma within the Italy squad following their devastating failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. As the Azzurri prepare for a fresh start in the Nations League, the goalkeeper admitted that the collective heartbreak remains a taboo subject among the players.
Lazio midfielder Davide Frattesi addressed the media at Coverciano after celebrating his 27th birthday ahead of Italy's Nations League opener against Belgium. The midfielder backed returning head coach Roberto Mancini while revealing why his shared World Cup heartbreak with Gennaro Gattuso remains an open wound.
Inter forward Pio Esposito and Sassuolo striker Sebastiano Esposito could make Italian football history during the upcoming Nations League fixtures under Roberto Mancini. If deployed together, they will become the first brothers to play simultaneously for the Azzurri since 2000.
Kevin De Bruyne confirmed he will continue playing for Belgium under new head coach Mark van Bommel, targeting Euro 2028 as a potential endpoint. The 35-year-old playmaker revealed that pleas from team-mates and his own physical sharp shape at Napoli drove his decision.
Brentford full-back Michael Kayode addressed interest from Inter Milan and the Nigerian Football Federation following his maiden Italy call-up. The 22-year-old insisted staying in the Premier League and representing the Azzurri were easy choices.
Rennes forward Esteban Lepaul reflected on his dream maiden France call-up under new manager Zinedine Zidane. The Ligue 1 top scorer detailed receiving passes from the icon in training and sitting through an inspiring national team history video.
Como goalkeeper Jean Butez became the oldest player to earn a maiden France call-up in half a century after replacing the injured Robin Risser. The 31-year-old received the surprise call from Zinedine Zidane before training under legendary goalkeeping coach Fabien Barthez.
Leaked details ahead of Roberto Mancini's official squad announcement suggest the returning Italy boss will name an extended 35-man list for four upcoming Nations League matches. The expected selection features a mix of European champion stalwarts, surprise returns, and uncapped prospects.
Mark van Bommel experienced a historic double milestone as he named his first squad as Belgium head coach while celebrating his son Ruben's maiden Netherlands call-up. Speaking during his managerial debut press conference, the former midfielder praised his son's remarkable recovery from injury.
New Belgium head coach Mark van Bommel has named a 28-player squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Italy, France, and Türkiye. The selection retains Youri Tielemans as captain while featuring key stars Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku.
Thibaut Courtois has dropped a bombshell on the Belgian national team by confirming he will not take part in the upcoming Nations League campaign. The Real Madrid goalkeeper reached the decision following a private meeting with new head coach Mark van Bommel, where the two discussed his long-term fitness and role within the squad.
The Belgian Football Association has demanded answers from FIFA regarding the controversial decision to lift Folarin Balogun’s World Cup suspension. In response to the highly unorthodox ruling, Belgium have also confirmed they will not support Gianni Infantino’s re-election bid for the FIFA presidency.
Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Ajax over the transfer of winger Mika Godts. The Ligue 1 champions are moving quickly to secure the highly-rated youngster's signature as they bolster their attacking options.
Manchester United's new signing Youri Tielemans has revealed that FIFA’s controversial decision to overturn Folarin Balogun’s red card served as the ultimate motivation for Belgium. The midfielder suggested that the political circus surrounding the USMNT striker’s availability created a sense of injustice that fuelled their dominant knockout victory.
The Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has appointed former Bayern Munich midfielder Mark van Bommel as the new head coach of the Red Devils. The 49-year-old Dutchman steps into the role following Rudi Garcia's departure after the World Cup, bringing in former Chelsea and Liverpool winger Boudewijn Zenden as part of his technical team.
Atalanta are considering cashing in on Charles De Ketelaere following his standout performances at the World Cup, with Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain expressing interest. The Serie A side have slapped a €50 million valuation on the Belgian playmaker as European giants prepare to battle for his signature during the summer window.
And just like that, it's over. After five-and-a-half weeks of breathless action, the 2026 World Cup is beginning to appear in the rearview mirror, the biggest international tournament in football history leaving behind a lifetime of memories while champions Spain continue their own celebrations.
Belgium
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