Mancini: Italy below par in first half of Belgium defeat

Italy's new era under Roberto Mancini began with a 2-0 home loss to Belgium, leaving the Azzurri bottom of their Nations League group.

Italy

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NS · UEFA Nations League

Belgium

What happened. Italy lost 2-0 at home to Belgium in the Nations League, with Mika Godts opening the scoring and Dodi Lukebakio sealing it on the counter. Roberto Mancini admitted the first half was below expectations but felt his side improved after the break.

• Mancini said Belgium played better in the first half but Italy took the initiative in the second.
• Italy had four or five chances to equalise before conceding the second goal.
• Alessandro Romano made his Italy debut after switching allegiance from Switzerland.

“When you lose, you can get jeered.”

— Roberto Mancini

Italy sit bottom of Nations League Group A and will look to bounce back in their next fixture.

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