Italy Loses 2-0 to Belgium in Nations League Opener Under Mancini

This match marked Mancini's first back as head coach since leaving in 2023, with Italy now grouped with France and Turkiye. Due to suspensions and injuries, including Alessandro Bastoni's suspension and injuries to players like Federico Dimarco and Nicolò Zaniolo, Riccardo Calafiori debuted at left-back. Alessandro Romano also made his debut, changing allegiance from Switzerland.

Belgium, under new coach Mark van Bommel, was also missing key players like Leandro Trossard and Thibaut Courtois. Despite this, Serie A players Kevin De Bruyne, Charles De Ketelaere, and Diego Moreira started in the match.

After a minute of silence in memory of Franco Baresi, the match began. Gianluigi Donnarumma was tested early, making a one-handed save from De Ketelaere. Francesco Pio Esposito hit the post but was ruled offside, and Moise Kean had a long-range effort saved. Belgium capitalized on Italy's errors when Roma's misplaced pass led to De Bruyne setting up Godts, who scored after cutting inside and finishing at the near post.

Italy continued to struggle defensively, with Donnarumma saving a header from Godts and another shot from Maxim De Cuyper flashing across the goal. Italy's Kean and Esposito threatened but were unable to convert their chances.

The second half began with an early chance for Italy, but Lammens saved a powerful volley from Kean. Belgium's decisive moment came from a quick counter-attack, with Lukebakio curling a left-footed shot into the bottom corner, effectively sealing the win for his side.

Despite late attempts from Italy, including a flick-on from Davide Frattesi and a powerful shot from Giorgio Scalvini that hit the crossbar, they were unable to score. The match concluded with tensions boiling over between Donnarumma and Romelu Lukaku, both receiving yellow cards.

Goals:

- 20' Mika Godts (Assist: Kevin De Bruyne)

- 69' Dodi Lukebakio (Assist: Charles De Ketelaere)