Belgium Beat Italy 2-0 as Nations League Campaign Starts ცუდ

Italy’s Nations League campaign began with a 2-0 home defeat to Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico, leaving Roberto Mancini with an immediate response to demand before Monday’s trip to Türkiye. Mika Godts put Belgium ahead before the interval and Dodi Lukebakio, introduced from the bench, completed the result on the break.

What changed for Italy

The Azzurri were met by loud whistles from the Rome crowd after a result that represented only their second home loss in 40 years in which they had conceded two or more goals without scoring.

Giovanni Di Lorenzo said Italy’s mistakes at the back had been punished by a Belgium side packed with individual quality. The Napoli captain felt his team had shown commitment but accepted that a better opening performance had been required.

“Everyone gave everything and it is disappointing because we wanted to start well,” Di Lorenzo said. “We have to get better.”

He added that Belgium had capitalised on every error, while noting Italy had begun to gain control and create opportunities before Lukebakio’s decisive second goal. Di Lorenzo also viewed the team’s aggressive first-half approach as consistent with Mancini’s demands, even if their pressing was initially driven too much by emotion.

Competition context

Belgium took charge through Godts, the Paris Saint-Germain forward, and maintained that advantage against an Italy side attempting to recover after the restart. Lukebakio’s counter-attacking finish then made certain of a winning beginning for Mark van Bommel’s team.

Kevin De Bruyne was central to Belgium’s control before Hans Vanaken replaced him shortly before the hour. Di Lorenzo, who works alongside De Bruyne at Napoli, praised the midfielder’s influence.

“He is an exceptional player,” Di Lorenzo said. “I see him in training every day and he was excellent tonight, unfortunately for us. Nobody can question his ability.”

The result gives Belgium an early advantage in the Nations League group, while Italy will need to recover points quickly after starting with defeat.

What is scheduled next

• Italy travel to face Türkiye on Monday, September 28, with Mancini seeking a first result of the campaign.
• Belgium host France on the same date as they aim to extend their winning start.

The second round of group matches will provide an early indication of whether Italy can repair the damage from their opening night and whether Belgium can establish themselves against another leading European opponent.