Belgium defeat Italy 2-0 in Nations League opener
Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio scored in Rome as Roberto Mancini returned to Italy’s bench and Mark van Bommel made his Belgium debut.
Belgium beat Italy 2-0 at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico in their Nations League opener, scoring through Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio. The match marked Roberto Mancini’s return as Italy coach and Mark van Bommel’s debut in charge of Belgium.
Godts put Belgium ahead with his first international goal after Kevin De Bruyne set him up on the left. He cut inside and scored past goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Lukebakio extended the lead midway through the second half, scoring from beyond the area after Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali tried to stop the attack.
Attendance was 47,155 at the 70,000-seat stadium, and home fans were whistling by the 20th minute, according to Al Jazeera Global News.
Italy were playing their first match since losing a March playoff to Bosnia and Herzegovina, a result that ruled them out of a third consecutive World Cup. Mancini, who led Italy to the 2021 European Championship title, resigned in August 2023 and later took the Saudi Arabia job.
Italy’s next fixtures are away to Türkiye and France, followed by a home match against Türkiye.
