Match ReportFootball ItaliaUnverified source· 25 Sept 2026
Italy slump to Belgium defeat as Di Lorenzo urges patience
Italy's new era began with jeers in Rome as Belgium punished their errors in a 2-0 Nations League loss.

— – —
NS · UEFA Nations League
Competition
Nations League
Score
Italy 0-2 Belgium
Scorers
Godts, Lukebakio
Venue
Stadio Olimpico, Rome
What happened. Italy lost their Nations League opener 2-0 at home to Belgium, with Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio scoring. Giovanni Di Lorenzo admitted the jeers from fans were deserved but called for patience with the new-look side.
- Belgium were also under a new coach but adapted quicker to Mark van Bommel's ideas.
- Di Lorenzo said Italy grew into the game and had chances to equalise before the second goal.
- He warned that tearing the Nazionale apart again so early would not help.
“If we immediately start tearing the Nazionale apart again already, it's not helpful.”
— Giovanni Di Lorenzo
Italy face three more games in two weeks as they try to rebuild under Roberto Mancini and recover from the defeat.
In this story
More to read

Football Italia
Donnarumma: ‘I’m happy Mancini back for Italy, not easy in Manchester’

Football Italia
Mancini’s first Italy press conference: Reasons for optimism and concern

The Guardian
‘I’m very sorry’: Mancini apologises after being reappointed as Italy head coach

Football Italia
Mancini: ‘Italy the love of my life, I hope fans can forgive me’

