Four of world football's most celebrated figures—Jürgen Klopp, Xavi Hernández, Roberto Mancini and Zinedine Zidane—have recently taken charge of national teams, and their early results in the Nations League have been remarkably divergent. After two matches, Zidane's France stands alone with a perfect record, whilst Klopp's Germany has suffered a historic first defeat to Greece, and Mancini's Italy has rebounded from a loss to Belgium with a victory over Turkey. The contrasting fortunes of these management heavyweights are already shaping the competitive landscape of their respective Nations League groups.

Klopp's Germany currently occupy third place following their unexpected loss to Greece, with Serbia looming as a potentially decisive fixture to avoid relegation. The Netherlands under Xavi have secured one win—a 2-1 victory against Serbia featuring a brace from substitute Meerdink—and face table-leading Greece next. Italy's Mancini claimed a confidence-boosting win over Turkey, in which 22-year-old Brentford player Michael Kayode scored on his debut, as the Azzurri prepare to face France on Friday. France's Zidane has delivered consecutive 1-0 victories against Turkey and Belgium, the latter featuring a spectacular solo goal from Michael Olise.