Kean has an opportunity to make Italy history against Belgium in Mancini’s 2nd debut

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - SEPTEMBER 09: Moise Kean of Italy celebrates after scoring the second goal during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A2 match between Israel and Italy at Bozsik Arena on September 09, 2024 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Roberto Mancini is preparing for his second debut in charge of the Italy national team and centre-forward Moise Kean will have an opportunity to make Azzurri history if he features against Belgium in the Nations League on Friday night. 

Kean on the brink of Italy history ahead of Belgium clash

Kean is on an impressive goalscoring run for the Italy national team, with a career record of a goal every other game (13 from 26 caps). 

The Como centre-forward has also scored in each of the last six matches that he has played for Italy: Against Germany in a 3-3 draw back in March 2025, against Estonia twice on September 5 and October 11 last year, against Israel in World Cup qualification, and against Northern Ireland and Bosnia in the World Cup play-off campaign. 

He is one of four players along with Roberto Bettega, Luigi Riva and Adolfo Baloncieri to have scored in six consecutive Italy outings. 

If Kean finds the back of the net against Belgium on Friday, he will become the first and only player in history to have scored in seven consecutive outings for Italy. 

Kean’s 13 goals make him the top scorer in the national team, ahead of Giacomo Raspadori with 11 and Nicolo Barella with 10. Mateo Retegui, who has not been called up on this occasion, also has 11.