Mancini sees Nations League as 'source of pride' for Italy

Roberto Mancini insisted "fighting for qualification in the Nations League is a source of pride" for Italy ahead of a huge clash with Belgium.

The Azzurri are top of Group A1 after a 3-1 win over France on Thursday, though they have not yet secured their place in the quarter-finals.

Italy are level on points with France heading into the final round of fixtures on Sunday, while third-place Belgium are just a point behind.

Italy will guarantee a spot in the last eight with a draw at Stade Roi Baudouin, while victory would clinch top spot.

Mancini, who returned to the helm in the summer after Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup, believes the 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 their qualification hopes alive with a 2-1 victory over Turkiye last time out.

The Red Devils have won three of their five Nations League games this term (L2), with both defeats coming against France.