Mancini's Second Italy Reign Starts With Belgium Defeat

Italy's new era began with a nightmare as Belgium punished a slow, error-strewn Azzurri at the Olimpico.

Italy

— – —

NS · UEFA Nations League

Belgium

What happened. Italy lost 0-2 to Belgium in Roberto Mancini's first match of his second spell in charge. Godts opened the scoring before Lukebakio doubled the lead in the second half.

• Kean and Pio missed chances to equalise after the break.
• Lukaku and Donnarumma were involved in an altercation at full time.
• Mancini called the first-half performance poor and the Olimpico boos fair.

“Poor in the first half. The boos at the Olimpico? They were fair”

— Roberto Mancini

Italy travel to Bursa on Monday to face Turkey, who lost to Zidane's new France side.

In this story

ItalyR. ManciniBelgium

More to read

Football Italia

Why Mancini left Romano on for 90 minutes for Italy against Belgium

Football Italia

Mancini: ‘Italy first half below expectations, but better than Belgium in second’

Football Italia

Italy 0-2 Belgium: Mancini return begins with disaster

Football Italia

Mancini’s first Italy side takes shape for Belgium test