Italy lose 2-0 to Belgium in Mancini's return match

Italy began their Nations League Group A1 campaign with a 2-0 home defeat to Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday, marking a disappointing start to Roberto Mancini's second spell as head coach. Belgium took the lead in the 20th minute when Mika Godts capitalised on a misplaced pass by debutant Alessandro Romano and finished past Gianluigi Donnarumma after a through ball from Kevin De Bruyne. Dodi Lukebakio added a second goal early in the second half to secure the visitors' victory. Donnarumma kept the scoreline respectable with several crucial saves, including a double stop on Charles De Ketelaere and Nicolas Raskin, and a reaction save on Godts. Italy created little in attack, with Francesco Pio Esposito hitting the post from an offside position and Moise Kean testing the goalkeeper from distance. Mancini fielded an experimental side missing several regulars through injury and suspension, handing a debut to Romano, who had switched allegiance from Switzerland.