Italy must target top‑three in the Nations League for Euro 2028

To secure a top spot in the Euro 2028 qualifying draw, Italy must finish among the top three in its group in the 2026‑27 Nations League group stage, a goal that will also ensure an improvement in the FIFA ranking.

Results achieved so far

The Azzurri have already faced Turkey on two occasions, as well as taking on Belgium and France in the first four matchdays. After these games, Roberto Mancini's side remains convinced that it can finish in first or second place.

Decisive match against France

In matchday 3, Francesco Pio Esposito said goodbye to coach Roberto Mancini after being substituted during the away fixture in France, where Italy secured a 1‑1 draw against the home champions led by Zinédine Zidane.

“We knew it would be a very tough match, especially at the start, but we defended well and gave away few chances,” Roberto Mancini said after the match. “We played as a team, attacking and defending together, and it was a very positive evening for us.”

Ranking objectives and consequences

Italy's minimum objective is to avoid the last place, not only to escape relegation to the second division, but also because only the teams that finish in the top three receive seeding for Euro 2028, whose draw will take place on 6 December 2026.

A top‑three finish would guarantee the Azzurri a smoother path to the European tournament, scheduled in England and Ireland in less than two years.

Remaining schedule

Italy's next commitment will be on 12 November, when it will host France at the Meazza Stadium in Milan, followed by an away match against Belgium on 15 November to close the group.

Roberto Mancini, 61, has signed a contract with the Italian Federation until 2030, with the goal of bringing the Azzurri back to the World Cup within four years.