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

ENSCHEDE, NETHERLANDS - JUNE 15: Head coach of Italy Roberto Mancini attends before the UEFA Nations League 2022/23 semifinal match between Spain and Italy at FC Twente Stadium on June 15, 2023 in Enschede, Netherlands. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

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

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.

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.