Nations League: Belgium spoils Mancini’s return as Italy falls 2-0
Belgium secured a 2-0 victory in Rome, spoiling Roberto Mancini's return to the Italy bench with goals from Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio.
Belgium defeated Italy 2-0 on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, marking the opening match of the Nations League and Roberto Mancini’s return to the helm of the Nazionale.
Mika Godts opened the scoring in the 20th minute following a Belgian recovery, before Dodi Lukebakio doubled the lead in the 69th minute with a curled shot on a counter-attack.
Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made several crucial saves to keep his team in the match, while Italy also hit the crossbar late in the game.
The match also marked the debut of Mark van Bommel as Belgium’s head coach. The Red Devils thus secured three points in a group that also includes France and Turkey.
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