A misplaced pass, a debut goal, and a night of jeers. Belgium turned Roberto Mancini's return to the Italy dugout into a sobering 0-2 defeat at the Stadio Olimpico, leaving the hosts bottom of their Nations League group and their supporters heading for the exits early.
The damage began in the 20th minute. Alessandro Romano, on his senior Italy debut after switching allegiance from Switzerland, gave the ball away and Kevin De Bruyne punished the error immediately. His through ball down the flank found Mika Godts, who cut inside and sent Gianluca Mancini and Diego Coppola sliding to the ground with a feint before slotting low past Gianluigi Donnarumma into the bottom-right corner.
Godts announces himself on competitive debut
It was a first senior international goal for Godts, and it arrived on his competitive debut for Belgium. The winger's composure in the box belied the occasion, and it gave Mark van Bommel's side a lead they would never relinquish in his first match as Belgium head coach.
For De Bruyne, the assist marked another milestone in a career of them — his 125th senior appearance for Belgium. He controlled the tempo from midfield, turning Italy's early possession into a liability rather than an advantage.
Lukebakio seals it on the break
Italy pushed for a response after the interval, but the second goal arrived against the run of play in the 69th minute. A fast break from the halfway line saw substitute Dodi Lukebakio drive to the edge of the area, cut inside past Sandro Tonali and Daniel Maldini, and curl a 20-yard left-footed strike into the bottom-left corner.
The goal ended the contest. Italy managed 21 total shots to Belgium's 19 and put six on target, but the visitors' eight shots on target told the story of a side that waited, absorbed pressure, and struck with precision. The hosts held 56 percent of possession, yet the jeers that echoed around the Stadio Olimpico at half-time and full-time made clear how little that control was worth.
Mancini's second spell begins under pressure
Tens of thousands of empty seats framed Mancini's first match back in charge, with the Italian supporters voicing their discontent throughout. The frustration boiled over after the final whistle, when Donnarumma and Belgian substitute Romelu Lukaku clashed in a heated altercation that required teammates to intervene, with both players receiving yellow cards.
Belgium's win also ended a five-match head-to-head winless streak against Italy, and it moves them to the top of League A with three points. Italy sit fourth with none after one round, and the margin for error in the group has already narrowed sharply. For Mancini, the rebuilding job now begins with a fanbase demanding immediate answers.
Match Information
Competition: UEFA Nations League
Date & Time: Friday 25 September 2026, 20:45 CET
Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Referee: Daniel Siebert
