Sport

Nations League: Italy defeated by Belgium at the Olimpico in Rome

Italy began its Nations League campaign with a loss to Belgium, with goals from Godts and Lukebakio, as Mancini tests new players.

25 September 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Nations League: Italy defeated by Belgium at the Olimpico in Rome — Photo: Wackotaku · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

Italy began its Nations League campaign with a 2-0 defeat against Belgium at the Olimpico in Rome. Under the guidance of coach Roberto Mancini, the Azzurri faced a tough first half against the 'Red Devils,' who took the lead with a goal from Godts and doubled their advantage with Lukebakio in the second half.

Mancini deployed an attack featuring Moise Kean, Pio Esposito, and Cambiaghi. Before the match, there was a minute of silence in memory of Franco Mazzola, with an additional moment dedicated to the remembrance of Franco Baresi, highlighting the importance of commemoration in sporting events.

The match saw Italy trying to recover in the second half, but despite some opportunities, they were unable to score. Some fans booed the Belgian anthem prior to the match, creating a tense atmosphere.

Archive photo: Nations League: Italy defeated by Belgium at the Olimpico in Rome — Archive photoPhoto: uberculture · Flickr · BY

During the first half, Belgium displayed clear dominance, while Italy struggled to find their rhythm. In the second half, the Azzurri increased their intensity, but the chances created were not enough to balance the score.

Mancini defended his young players against pressing expectations, emphasizing the need for a growth process after yet another failure to qualify for a World Cup. However, the match once again highlighted the challenges facing the team in a competitive context like the Nations League.

Finally, there were moments of tension, including an incident at the end of the match between Romelu Lukaku and Gianluigi Donnarumma, underscoring an intense atmosphere both on the pitch and in the stands. This match marks the beginning of a journey for Italy, which will now need to reassess its strategy for upcoming challenges.

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