Italy's Nations League progress a source of pride
Italy will be looking to secure its place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Nations League when it faces Belgium on Monday (AEDT), and coach Roberto Mancini has insisted doing so would be a source of pride for the Azzurri.
Italy is top of Group A1 after a 3-1 win over France on Friday (AEDT), but it has not yet secured its place in the last eight.
It is level on points with France heading into the final round of fixtures, while third-placed Belgium is just a point behind in a wide open group.
Italy will guarantee its spot in the knockout stages with a draw at Stade Roi Baudouin, while victory would clinch top spot.
Mancini, who returned to the helm after Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup, believes the UEFA Nations League provides a good opportunity for his side.
"Is it worth only three points, or more? Being here and fighting for qualification in the Nations League is a source of pride," Mancini said.
"We're here and we're going for it. We can win, even though we know it won't be easy, because Belgium are a great national team.
"We'll play our game. I think Belgium are a team with good players, technical and quick. It won't be much different from the game against France.
"We start with a slight advantage, but that doesn't mean we should be satisfied. It'll be a great game against a team that only went out of the World Cup to Spain in the last minute."
Belgium kept its qualification hopes alive with a 2-1 victory over Turkiye last time out.
The Red Devils have won three of their five UEFA Nations League games this term, with two defeats both coming against France.
