Italy's new head coach Roberto Mancini made a disappointing return to the Azzurri as his team lost 2-0 to Belgium in their UEFA Nations League opener at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. The home crowd jeered loudly at the full-time whistle, highlighting the significant work needed to revive the four-time world champions' fortunes. Mancini, who won Euro 2020 with Italy, was re-appointed after a play-off defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina led to a third consecutive failure to qualify for the World Cup.
The match got off to a lively start, with Charles De Ketelaere drawing a reaction save from Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma early on. However, it was Belgium who took the lead in the 20th minute through Mika Godts, who marked his first competitive cap with a fine individual goal. Godts cut inside past two defenders before firing home, capitalizing on a loose pass from Italy's Alessandro Romano.
Italy's goalkeeper Donnarumma had a busy night, producing a superb double save to deny De Ketelaere and Nicolas Raskin before a one-handed stop kept out a Godts effort. Despite these saves, the Italian team struggled to create scoring opportunities, with their best chance falling to Moise Kean, who prodded a finish into the side netting from a brilliant cross by Nicolo Cambiaghi.
The Italian team came out strongly after the break, with Senne Lammens producing heroics to protect Belgium's lead. However, Belgium sealed the win on the counter-attack when substitute Dodi Lukebakio surged into space and fired an unstoppable effort into the bottom corner from 25 yards midway through the second half. This goal left Italy with a mountain to climb, and they were unable to score.
The loss was a disappointing start to Mancini's second stint as Italy coach, especially given the largely familiar starting XI he selected. Newcomers included Alessandro Romano, who switched international allegiances from Switzerland, and Diego Coppola, who started for the national team for only the second time. Belgium's new coach, Mark van Bommel, had a more encouraging start, with Kevin De Bruyne earning his 125th cap and Godts marking his first competitive appearance.
The result means Italy face an uphill battle to recover from this setback, with their next match against Turkey on Monday. Turkey lost their opening game 1-0 to France, providing an opportunity for Italy to get back on track. Belgium, meanwhile, host France on the same day, looking to build on their positive start under van Bommel.
The defeat was a harsh reminder of the challenges facing Mancini as he attempts to revive Italy's fortunes. With tens of thousands of seats left empty at the Olimpico, the Italian team's performance underlined the significant work needed to turn around their flagging fortunes and win back the support of their disillusioned fans.
Key points
- Italy lost 2-0 to Belgium in their UEFA Nations League opener.
- Roberto Mancini made a disappointing return as Italy head coach.
- Belgium's win was their first under new coach Mark van Bommel.
