Italy dropped a 2–0 decision to Belgium at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico on Friday, faltering in the opening match of their UEFA Nations League campaign as 47,000 spectators watched the team struggle through another rebuilding phase following their third World Cup qualification failure, according to sports reports.
Stadio Olimpico Spectators Jeer As Italy Falls 2–0 to Belgium
The 47,000 fans inside Rome’s Stadio Olimpico made their frustration clear at the halftime and full-time whistles, directing loud jeers toward the Azzurri after a disjointed first-half performance. Reporting from the venue noted that the supporters left the stadium deeply disappointed as Belgium controlled the tempo through a side anchored by experienced campaigners and fresh tactical setups under newly appointed head manager Mark van Bommel.
Italy manager Roberto Mancini, back at the helm three years after his departure following their Euro 2021 triumph, opted to introduce several young prospects into the starting lineup. Diego Coppola featured in defense, Sandro Romano took a spot in midfield, and Nicolo Cambiaghi lined up in attack. Despite the injection of youth, the squad struggled to establish cohesion against a Belgian outfit that reached the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup.
Mika Godts Strikes Early to Put Belgium Ahead in Rome
The opening breakthrough arrived in the 20th minute when a midfield turnover by Romano allowed Belgium’s Mika Godts to exploit loose defensive positioning. Godts drove into the penalty area and slipped a low shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma to open the scoring. With the national team, Mika Godts scored his first goal since joining PSG this summer. The goal stemmed from a fine individual action against a goalkeeper who is far from unknown, a certain Gianluigi Donnarumma. Mika Godts is set to cross paths with Donnarumma again in less than a month as PSG travels to Manchester City on October 14 for the second matchday of the UEFA Champions League league phase.
Donnarumma prevented a heavier deficit before the interval, producing a sharp double save against Charles De Ketelaere and Nicolas Raskin in the 23rd minute, followed by a close-range reflex stop on a header from Godts in the 28th minute. A minute later, Maxim De Cuyper struck the outside of the Italian left post after being teed up by Kevin De Bruyne.
Tactical Adjustments and Second-Half Stoppages Seal the Result
Italy returned for the second half without making personnel changes and generated immediate pressure. Moise Kean forced a low save from Senne Lammens in the 47th minute, and Francesco Pio Esposito tested the Belgian goalkeeper twice shortly afterward with attempts in the 49th and 53rd minutes.
However, another turnover in midfield dismantled Italy’s momentum. In the 68th minute, Dodi Lukébakio collected a loose ball and finished cleanly despite being surrounded by three Italian defenders, sealing the 2–0 scoreline and effectively ending any chance of an Italian comeback.
Managerial Reaction and Squad Evaluations Following the Match
Speaking to Italian broadcaster Rai after the whistle, Mancini acknowledged the supporters’ negative reaction. “Les sifflets sont compréhensibles,” Mancini said, though he maintained a measured view of the performance. “La première période a été en dessous des attentes, mais après la pause, nous avons très bien joué jusqu’à leur contre-attaque qui a mené au 2-0.”
Despite the weight of the years, Belgium’s midfielder Kevin De Bruyne (35 years old, 125 caps and 38 goals) maintains a major role with the national selection. On the sidelines of the victory against Italy on Friday in the Nations League, Red Devils coach Mark van Bommel highlighted the impact of the Napoli player. J’ai trouvé que De Bruyne avait fait un bon match,
said Mark van Bommel.
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