Francesco Pio Esposito will lead Italy’s attack in the opening game of Roberto Mancini’s second stint as Azzurri boss, while Alessandro Romano will make his senior debut.

It kicks off at 20:45 CET [19:45 BST] at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

It is Mancini’s first game in charge of the Azzurri since his return to the dugout last July.

Mancini already coached the Italy national team from 2018 to 2023, winning the Euros in 2021 but failing to qualify for the World Cup the following year.

Alessandro Bastoni is suspended for this evening’s game, so Mancini is expected to look to Gianluca Mancini and Diego Coppola at centre-back.

Giorgio Scalvini is available on the bench, but he didn’t train with the rest of the team on Tuesday, so he won’t start against Belgium.

Cagliari midfielder Romano will make his senior debut with the Azzurri, and Pio Esposito will lead the attack. The 21-year-old Inter striker has already scored five goals in nine international appearances.

Mancini’s main doubt is on the left wing, where Football Italia understands Moise Kean is the favourite over Daniel Maldini and Giacomo Raspadori.