Italy’s Road to Euro 2028 Seeding: What the Azzurri Must Do in the Nations League

FolioPitch.com – 09 October 2026 | Italy‘s campaign in the 2026-27 Nations League is about more than just avoiding relegation; it’s about securing a favorable position for the upcoming European Championship. With the Euro 2028 qualifying draw set for December 6, 2026, the Azzurri are fully aware of what Italy need to do to be seeded for the Euro 2028 qualifying draw. A top-three finish in their Nations League group would guarantee them a seeded spot, providing a smoother path to the tournament hosted by the UK and Ireland.

After four rounds of matches, Italy sit in a promising position. They have faced Turkey twice, Belgium, and France, earning valuable points and displaying a resilient team spirit under the guidance of head coach Roberto Mancini. The Azzurri’s most notable result was a hard-fought 1-1 draw away to France, in what was Zinédine Zidane’s first home match in charge of Les Bleus. Mancini praised his team’s performance, stating, “We played as a team, attacking and defending together, and so it is certainly a very positive evening for us.” He added, “I liked that we tried to play football, despite being against an extraordinary France side full of champions.”

The importance of finishing in the top three cannot be overstated. Not only does it secure a seeding spot for the Euro 2028 qualifying draw, but it also ensures Italy avoid a potential relegation to the second division of the Nations League. The bottom-placed teams face a relegation play-off, while the top two finishers advance to the quarter-finals. For Italy, the minimum target remains avoiding last place, but the ultimate aim is to secure a top-three finish and with it, a seeded status. This is precisely what Italy need to do to be seeded for the Euro 2028 qualifying draw, and the team is determined to achieve it.

Looking ahead, Italy will return to action in November for the final two group-stage matches. On November 12, they will host France at the iconic Stadio Meazza (San Siro) in Milan, followed by a trip to Belgium on November 15. These matches will be crucial in determining Italy’s final position in the group. Mancini’s men will need to maintain their focus and continue to perform at a high level to secure the necessary points. The coach, who returned for a second spell after resigning in 2023, has signed a contract through 2030 and is determined to lead the Azzurri back to the World Cup and beyond.

Securing a seeded spot for the Euro 2028 qualifying draw would not only boost Italy’s chances of qualifying for the tournament but also enhance their reputation on the international stage. The Azzurri have a rich history in European competitions, and a seeded position would reflect their status as one of the continent’s top teams. As the Nations League progresses, all eyes will be on Italy to see if they can accomplish what Italy need to do to be seeded for the Euro 2028 qualifying draw. The path is clear: a top-three finish is the objective, and with the talent and determination within the squad, it is an achievable goal.

In conclusion, Italy’s performance in the remaining Nations League fixtures will be pivotal in shaping their Euro 2028 qualifying campaign. By finishing in the top three, they will secure a seeded spot in the draw, avoiding potential pitfalls and setting themselves up for a successful qualification campaign. The Azzurri have shown they can compete with the best, and with Mancini at the helm, they are well-positioned to achieve their objectives. The coming months will reveal whether Italy can indeed do what is required to be seeded for the Euro 2028 qualifying draw.