Italy loses 2-0 to Belgium in Nations League, Mancini's return marred by jeers

Italy suffered a 2-0 defeat to Belgium in their UEFA Nations League Group A opener on Friday at Rome's Stadio Olimpico, extending their struggles six months after failing to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. Mika Godts scored in the 20th minute with his first international goal, latching onto a Kevin De Bruyne assist on the left flank, turning defenders and slotting past goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Dodi Lukebakio added Belgium's second in the 69th minute with a curling strike from distance after driving forward from midfield.

Roberto Mancini, returning to Italy's bench for a second spell after leaving in August 2023 to coach Saudi Arabia, saw his team booed off the pitch by home fans. Only 47,155 spectators attended the 70,000-capacity stadium, with whistling audible from the 20th minute onward. At the post-match press conference, Mancini acknowledged the jeers as normal following a loss and pointed to a 25-minute stretch in the second half when Italy played aggressively and avoided conceding. Italy had chances to score, with Moise Kean and Francesco Pio Esposito seeing efforts denied by Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens, and Giorgio Scalvini missing from inside the penalty area late on.

Belgium's new coach Mark van Bommel, who replaced Rudi Garcia after the World Cup, praised his team's intensity and desire in securing victory in his debut. De Bruyne made his 125th international appearance for Belgium. Italy's lineup included eight players from the World Cup qualifying campaign, though Alessandro Romano made his debut after switching allegiance from Switzerland, and Diego Coppola started only his second international match, filling in for suspended Alessandro Bastoni. The match represented Italy's first game since a playoff loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in March.

Italy's schedule intensifies immediately, with matches against Turkey on Monday and France next Friday before hosting Turkey in Bologna to close the Nations League first phase. Belgium leads Group A with three points, ahead of France, who defeated Turkey 1-0. Italy sits last in the group.