Italy Loses 2-0 to Belgium in Mancini's Second Debut

Roberto Mancini’s second time as Italy's head coach ended in disappointment on Friday. The Azzurri faced Belgium and lost 2-0 in their UEFA Nations League opener at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

Mika Godts scored a great goal for Belgium, marking his first competitive appearance. Dodi Lukebakio added another goal in the second half, sealing the win for the visitors.

It was a positive start for Belgium's new coach Mark van Bommel. He took over from Rudi Garcia after Belgium reached the World Cup quarter-finals last summer. This match was his first in charge of the team.

For Italy, it was another tough match. They had recently brought back Euro 2020 winner Mancini after a disappointing playoff loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina. That defeat marked the third straight time Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup.

The Olimpico stadium had many empty seats, but the home fans made their feelings known. They booed loudly at the final whistle after watching a performance that showed how much work is needed to improve the team's fortunes.

Mancini chose a mostly familiar lineup but included some new players. Playmaker Alessandro Romano made his debut, switching from Switzerland, while Nicolo Cambiaghi also made his full debut. Diego Coppola started for the national team for just the second time.

Van Bommel’s starting XI for Belgium featured Kevin De Bruyne, who earned his 125th cap. Godts was making only his third appearance after missing the World Cup.

Early in the match, Charles De Ketelaere forced a good save from Gianluigi Donnarumma. The home crowd's excitement faded when Pio Esposito hit the post but was flagged offside.

In the 20th minute, a misplaced pass from 20-year-old Romano led to the first goal. Belgium countered quickly, and Godts cut inside two defenders before scoring.

This goal seemed to lift Belgium as Donnarumma had to make several impressive saves to keep Italy in the game. He denied De Ketelaere and Nicolas Raskin with a double save, then stopped a shot from Godts with one hand.

Italy managed to hold on and almost equalized when Moise Kean shot into the side netting after a great cross from Cambiaghi. But Belgium finished the half strong, and the home crowd booed as the referee blew for half-time.

After the break, Italy came out with more energy. Senne Lammens made key saves, blocking a powerful shot from Kean and parrying an effort from Esposito.

But Italy was caught on the break again. Substitute Lukebakio raced into space and scored with a powerful shot from 25 yards in the second half.

Italy's struggles continued when substitute Giorgio Scalvini missed a close-range shot, lifting the ball over the bar from just two yards out.

Italy's next match is against Turkey, who lost 1-0 to France in their opening game on Monday. Belgium will host France on the same day.