Italy falls 0-2 to Belgium in Mancini and Van Bommel's Nations League debuts

Italy returned to the Stadio Olimpico still carrying the weight of their World Cup absence and fell to a 0-2 defeat against Belgium in their first Nations League match. The game marked Roberto Mancini's return to the Azzurri bench and Mark van Bommel's debut in charge of the Red Devils. Mika Godts and Dodi Lukébakio scored the goals on a night that ended with the Italian crowd whistling at their own team.

• Belgium claimed the first three points of the new Nations League campaign with a 0-2 win in Rome.
• Mika Godts opened the scoring in the 20th minute and Dodi Lukébakio sealed the result in the 69th after coming off the bench.
• Italy pushed after the break but ran into goalkeeper Lammens and his saves.
• A minute of silence honored Franco Baresi and Sandro Mazzola before kickoff.

Godts gives Belgium the lead in a first half with no Italian response

Belgium took control from the opening minutes and created danger early. In the 7th minute, Kevin De Bruyne played a precise through ball that left Charles De Ketelaere in front of Maarten Lammens, but the goalkeeper handled the situation. The visitors' pressure paid off in the 20th minute, when Mika Godts cut across the box, left several defenders behind, and beat Donnarumma with a well-placed finish.

Belgium nearly extended the lead moments later, but Donnarumma made a double save that kept Italy alive until halftime. The hosts barely created clear chances and walked off to widespread boos from their own fans, unhappy with the team's lack of reaction.

Italy pushes after the break and runs into Lammens

The Azzurri came out of the locker room with a different mindset. Just one minute into the second half, Moise Kean got on the end of a low cross inside the penalty area and forced Lammens into a sharp save with his feet to deny the equalizer. The Belgian goalkeeper became the main figure down the stretch and repeatedly frustrated Italy's attempts.

The home side's push never found a reward, and at Belgium's most difficult moment, a substitute stepped up. Dodi Lukébakio, who had come off the bench, fired a long-range shot that found the net to make it 0-2 in the 69th minute. The blow deflated Italy, who ended the match the same way they ended the first half: with fans whistling in frustration.

Double coaching debut: Mancini and Van Bommel in the Nations League

The match brought together two national team coaches starting fresh projects on the same night. Roberto Mancini returned to the job with the mission of lifting a team still reeling from their failure to qualify for the World Cup, a setback that continues to resonate with supporters. Opposite him, Mark van Bommel began his tenure with a Belgium side undergoing a generational transition.

The Nations League serves as the first measuring stick for both teams. Belgium leave Rome strengthened and collect three valuable points for their group ambitions, while Italy face the pressure of fixing their mistakes before their next fixture.

Tribute at the Stadio Olimpico to Franco Baresi and Sandro Mazzola

Before the ball started rolling, the stadium in Rome paid an emotional tribute to two legends of Italian football. Franco Baresi and Sandro Mazzola passed away recently and received a minute of silence that ended with warm applause from the crowd. The tribute brought both sets of fans together at the start of a night that left Italy with a bitter taste.

What Italy have at stake after the 0-2 loss to Belgium

The defeat forces Italy to respond quickly if they want to stay in the fight for the top spots in their Nations League group. Every matchday is valuable, and home losses are expensive when it comes to reaching the finals. The schedule does not stop, and the Azzurri need to collect points away from home to avoid further complications.

Belgium, on the other hand, make a strong statement in their opener and show they can compete from day one. Van Bommel will have room to keep adjusting, but his team has already sent a clear message: the Red Devils' new era is built to win early.