Italy are still in the running for the Nations League quarter-finals, but perhaps more importantly have already secured top seed status for the EURO 2028 qualifiers.

The Azzurri had a rough start to their Nations League campaign, losing 2-0 at home to Belgium, but followed that with two victories over Turkiye and the 1-1 draw in France .

It has put them in second place in Group A, still within three points of leaders France on 10, followed by Belgium on six points.

Their final matches will be at home to France on November 12 at San Siro and the visit to Brussels on November 15.

The top two in each group qualify for the Nations League quarter-finals, the two worst third-placed sides enter play-offs with the best to finish fourth to avoid relegation into League B.

A victory in the head-to-head against Belgium would suffice to secure second place, regardless of the result against France.

However, Roberto Mancini has already achieved one important target, because the results so far mean Italy are mathematically guaranteed to be top seeds in the draw for EURO 2028 qualifiers.

That draw will be held on December 6 in Belfast, with Italy among the eight nations in Pot 1.

From a tactical formation and squad depth perspective, "Italy guaranteed top seed status for EURO 2028 draw" carries substantial tournament implications for international seeding and domestic campaign momentum. Coaching staffs are heavily weighing high-pressing efficiency (PPDA), defensive transition pace, and fixture fatigue management.

Tactical analysts monitoring Gironi & Calendario metrics emphasize that squad adaptability and set-piece execution will likely dictate outcomes in high-leverage knockout environments. Real-time match telemetry and tracking data continue to inform managerial decision-making.

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