Italy's UEFA Nations League campaign got off to a disappointing start with a 2-0 defeat to Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. The match marked Roberto Mancini's second debut as Italy head coach, following his re-appointment after the team's failure to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time. The Italian team's performance was met with loud boos from the home crowd at full-time, highlighting the significant work needed to revive the four-time world champions' fortunes.
The match saw several new faces in the Italian squad, including playmaker Alessandro Romano, who made his debut after switching international allegiances from Switzerland, and Nicolo Cambiaghi, who made his full debut. Diego Coppola also started for the national team for only the second time. Belgium coach Mark van Bommel, who succeeded Rudi Garcia, included a 125th cap for Napoli's Kevin De Bruyne and gave Mika Godts his third cap after missing out on the World Cup.
The Belgian team took the lead in the 20th minute through a counter-attack finished clinically by Godts, who cut inside past two defenders before firing home. The goal was followed by waves of Belgian attacks, with Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma producing a superb double save to deny Charles De Ketelaere and Nicolas Raskin.
Italy almost pulled one back when Moise Kean prodded a finish into the side netting from a brilliant Cambiaghi cross, but Belgium finished the half on the front foot, earning loud boos from the home crowd at half-time. Italy came out strongly after the break, with Senne Lammens producing heroics to protect Belgium's lead, but they were caught out on the break again when substitute Dodi Lukebakio surged into space and fired an unstoppable effort into the bottom corner.
Lukebakio's goal put the visitors out of sight, and Italy's night in front of goal was summed up three minutes from time when substitute Giorgio Scalvini managed to scoop a shot over the bar from two yards out. The result was a disappointing start to the UEFA Nations League for Italy, who will next face Turkey, who lost their opening game 1-0 to France on Monday.
The match also marked an encouraging start for new Belgium coach Mark van Bommel, who took his first step into international management following the Red Devils' run to the World Cup quarter-finals in the summer. Belgium will host France on the same day as Italy's match against Turkey.
The Italian team's performance was marred by a lack of cohesion, with tens of thousands of seats left empty at the Olimpico. The team's failure to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time has led to significant changes, including the re-appointment of Mancini, who won Euro 2020 with Italy.
Key points
- Italy's UEFA Nations League campaign begins with a 2-0 loss to Belgium.
- Roberto Mancini's second debut as Italy head coach ends in a disappointing performance.
- Belgium coach Mark van Bommel starts his international management career with a win.
