Roberto Mancini’s second stint in charge of the Italy national football team began with a 2-0 defeat against Belgium in their opening match of the Nations League at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. The home side struggled to find any offensive rhythm, committing numerous unforced errors that allowed Belgium to secure victory with a goal in each half.
Early Pressure and Defensive Breakdowns in Rome
The match kicked off under intense pressure from a home crowd hoping to spark a new era under Mancini, but Belgium quickly seized control of the tempo. In the 7th minute, Kevin De Bruyne delivered a precise cross from the left flank to Charles De Ketelaere, whose curling effort forced a sharp diving save from Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Italy responded briefly in the 9th minute when Nicolò Barella picked out Pio Esposito, who struck the goalpost, though the assistant referee quickly raised the flag for offside. Moise Kean also tested the Belgian defense in the 18th minute with a long-range shot that rolled harmlessly into the goalkeeper’s arms.
The breakthrough for the visitors arrived moments later. A misplaced pass out of the back by Romano allowed De Bruyne to spark a counterattack. The ball reached Stanley Godts on the left wing, who cut inside, bypassed two Italian defenders, and drove a low shot past Donnarumma to put Belgium ahead 1-0.
Belgium Pressures Italy Before Hosts Seek Equalizer
Belgium continued to press for a second before halftime, testing Donnarumma through long-range attempts from De Ketelaere and Nicolas Raskin. Godts nearly added another in the 28th minute, heading a cross that Donnarumma saved during a sustained spell of Belgian pressure. Kean came closest for the hosts in the 36th minute, hitting the outside of the side netting from a tight angle on the right.
Italy emerged from the halftime interval with renewed intensity, pushing for an equalizer. Federico Cambiaghi set up Kean in the 47th minute, but the Belgian goalkeeper stood firm. Cambiaghi created another chance in the 53rd minute, floating a ball toward Pio Esposito, whose effort was kept out by the visiting goalkeeper.
Looking to shift momentum, Mancini made a triple substitution in the 65th minute, introducing Giorgio Scalvini, Davide Frattesi, and Daniel Maldini in place of Filippo Coppola, Romano, and Pio Esposito. However, just as Italy looked to be establishing sustained control, Belgium struck on the counterattack. Dodi Lukebakio raced down the pitch in the 69th minute, cut inside, and beat Donnarumma at the far post to extend the lead to 2-0.
Looking Ahead to the Trip to Turkey
The second goal effectively extinguished Italy’s comeback hopes, as Belgium comfortably managed the remainder of the fixture. The Azzurri face a quick turnaround to address their tactical shortcomings and squad errors before their next fixture against Turkey, scheduled for Monday at 20.45.
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