Italy 0-2 Belgium: Godts 20, Lukebakio 69
There was no happy return to the Italy dugout for Roberto Mancini as Belgium claimed a deserved 2-0 victory in Rome, instead giving Mark van Bommel a winning start as their new manager.
Mancini was appointed in July after Gennaro Gattuso failed to qualify for a third World Cup in succession. The former Inter, Fiorentina and Manchester City manager had previously led Italy between 2018 and 2023, winning the Euros in 2021. Van Bommel replaced Rudi Garcia as Belgium coach at the end of this summer’s World Cup.
Italy struggled to contain Belgium for long periods and were jeered by their supporters at both half-time and full-time. Mika Godts opened the scoring before Dodi Lukebakio added a second on minute 69 to give Belgium control of the Nations League contest.
Belgium threatened first as Charles De Ketelaere forced Gianluigi Donnarumma into an early save, before Italy responded when Pio Esposito combined with Nicolo Barella and struck the outside of the post.
Belgium then took the lead in the 20th minute after a costly defensive error, Gianluca Mancini and Diego Coppola failing to deal with danger and allowing Godts to move through and fire low beyond Donnarumma.
The hosts were fortunate not to fall further behind before the interval. Donnarumma twice denied the excellent De Ketelaere, including a strong save from a shot from distance, before keeping out Diego Moreira and then Godts. Godts came close again as Belgium continued to threaten.
Italy had a brief spell of promise when Nicolo Cambiaghi escaped down the flank and delivered towards Moise Kean, but the former Everton striker sent his effort narrowly wide.
Belgium remained the stronger side but Italy did begin the second half with greater purpose. Esposito twice went close, with Senne Lammens making the saves required to preserve Belgium’s advantage, while Cambiaghi again provided the attacking impetus from the flank.
The pressure faded however, and Mancini responded by making three changes with 25 minutes remaining, bringing on Davide Frattesi, Giorgio Scalvini and Daniel Maldini.
Instead of producing an equaliser, Italy conceded again. Belgium broke quickly nine minutes after the hour and Lukebakio carried the ball from halfway before cutting inside and curling into the corner.
Italy still searched for a response. Riccardo Calafiori produced one of their best moments with a powerful run and curling attempt, while Scalvini fired over from a corner. Calafiori went close again in the final minute but could only send a free-kick wide.
