Italy vs. Belgium: Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio Lead Red Devils to Nations League Win

Van Bommel Era Begins With Dominant First Half

The tactical approach paid dividends quickly as Belgium asserted control in the Italian capital. In the 20th minute, De Bruyne slipped a pass to Mika Godts, who eluded two defenders before beating Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to put the visitors ahead.

Despite sustained pressure and multiple attempts following the opening goal, the Belgian side failed to double their advantage before the interval. Italy struggled to generate meaningful offense during the opening period, leaving Donnarumma under constant duress as the visiting team maintained a high tempo and controlled possession across midfield.

Senne Lammens Secures Clean Sheet Amid Italian Pressure

The hosts shifted momentum early in the second half, forcing the visitors into a defensive struggle. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens preserved the lead with several crucial interventions, most notably a stop with his foot against Italy forward Moise Kean to prevent an equalizer. Shortly before that sequence, Lorenzo Esposito found space behind Belgian central defender Brandon Mechele and struck the goalpost, though the linesman subsequently raised the offside flag.

With Italy pressing for a goal, van Bommel utilized his substitutes to alter the rhythm of the match. Dodi Lukebakio entered the contest in the second half and settled the fixture with 20 minutes remaining. Collecting the ball outside the penalty area, Lukebakio unleashed a long-range shot past Donnarumma to extend the lead to 2-0 and quiet the Rome crowd.

Next Opponent and Match Schedule

Following the victory in Rome, the Belgium squad returns home to prepare for their next Nations League fixture. The team faces neighboring France on Monday in Brussels. The match will be broadcast on RTL tvi and streaming platforms via RTL play.