Belgium began the Mark van Bommel era with an impressive 2–0 victory over Italy at the Stadio Olimpico, while Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres both scored as Sweden defeated Romania 2–1.
Mika Godts and Dodi Lukébakio delivered the goals for Belgium, condemning Roberto Mancini to defeat in the first match of his second spell as Italy’s head coach.
In Stockholm, Sweden’s dangerous attacking partnership also made an immediate impact. Isak opened the scoring before Gyökeres struck the winner shortly before halftime.
Italy 0–2 Belgium: Match Summary
| Match detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | UEFA Nations League |
| Venue | Stadio Olimpico, Rome |
| Final score | Italy 0–2 Belgium |
| First goal | Mika Godts, 20’ |
| Second goal | Dodi Lukébakio, 69’ |
| Italy coach | Roberto Mancini |
| Belgium coach | Mark van Bommel |
Mika Godts Announces Himself in Rome
Belgium started confidently despite playing away from home and created the better opportunities during the opening half.
Gianluigi Donnarumma was required to make an early save from Charles De Ketelaere, while Moise Kean tested Senne Lammens at the opposite end.
The breakthrough arrived in the 20th minute following a mistake in Italy’s build-up.
Belgium regained possession before Kevin De Bruyne released Godts with an intelligent forward pass. The young attacker drove into the penalty area, sent Gianluca Mancini and Diego Coppola to the ground with a sharp change of direction and calmly placed his finish into the bottom corner.
It was a confident goal from a player who had not been selected for Belgium’s 2026 World Cup squad but earned a place in Van Bommel’s first team following his impressive club performances.
Godts continued troubling Italy after scoring. Donnarumma produced an excellent reaction save to deny his powerful header, while the Italian goalkeeper also stopped efforts from De Ketelaere and Nicolas Raskin.
Belgium could easily have entered halftime with a larger advantage.
Italy Improve but Lammens Stands Firm
Italy responded positively after the break and began creating opportunities with greater consistency.
Kean forced Lammens into a clever save with his leg immediately after the restart. Francesco Pio Esposito then threatened twice, directing a header at the goalkeeper before being denied from Nicolò Cambiaghi’s low delivery.
Lammens’ performance was vital to Belgium’s victory. Italy enjoyed more possession and completed more passes, but the Belgian goalkeeper remained composed whenever Mancini’s team found a way through the defence.
The supplied match statistics showed Italy controlling 54% of possession and completing 586 passes at 92% accuracy. However, Belgium were more dangerous in front of goal, registering nine shots on target and winning eight corners.
Italy controlled the ball, but Belgium controlled the decisive moments.
Lukébakio Secures Belgium’s Victory
Italy’s attempt to find an equaliser left space behind their defence, and Belgium took advantage in the 69th minute.
Lukébakio collected the ball inside his own half and drove forward with speed. He cut inside past Sandro Tonali and Daniel Maldini before curling a brilliant left-footed shot into the bottom corner from outside the penalty area.
The substitute’s individual effort gave Belgium the breathing room they needed and highlighted the direct counterattacking style Van Bommel could bring to the team.
Italy continued pushing forward. Riccardo Calafiori narrowly missed the target, while Giorgio Scalvini failed to convert a late chance from close range.
Belgium protected their clean sheet and completed a memorable opening victory.
Perfect Beginning for Mark van Bommel
Van Bommel could hardly have asked for a better start as Belgium head coach.
The former Netherlands, Barcelona and Bayern Munich midfielder inherited a talented Belgian squad following its World Cup quarter-final defeat to eventual champions Spain.
Belgium were without several important players, including Thibaut Courtois, Jérémy Doku and Leandro Trossard. Despite those absences, Van Bommel’s team were organised defensively, aggressive when regaining possession and clinical on the counterattack.
Kevin De Bruyne remained at the centre of Belgium’s creativity, producing the pass for Godts’ opening goal and creating five chances during the match.
Godts offered speed and confidence on the left, while De Ketelaere found dangerous spaces around Italy’s midfield. Lukébakio and Romelu Lukaku gave Belgium additional attacking power from the bench.
The result places Belgium at the top of Group A1 after the opening round, ahead of France on goal difference. France began their campaign with a 1–0 victory in Türkiye.
Difficult Return for Roberto Mancini
Mancini’s second spell in charge of Italy began with disappointment.
The experienced coach previously guided the Azzurri to the Euro 2020 title before leaving the position in 2023. His return was expected to bring renewed confidence, but Italy’s weaknesses in both penalty areas were exposed by Belgium.
The hosts had plenty of possession and produced several opportunities, particularly during the second half. However, defensive mistakes allowed Godts to open the scoring, while Italy failed to convert their best chances.
Mancini has positives to build on. Cambiaghi created problems from the left, Pio Esposito found good scoring positions and Calafiori offered attacking support from defence.
Nevertheless, Italy must become more clinical and protect themselves better against counterattacks if they are to compete with Belgium and France for qualification.
Belgium will next host France, while Italy travel to face Türkiye.
Sweden 2–1 Romania: Isak and Gyökeres Deliver
Sweden also made a winning start to their Nations League campaign after earning promotion to League B.
The hosts immediately placed Romania under pressure. Sebastian Nanasi forced goalkeeper Ionuț Radu into a save after only 32 seconds, setting the tone for an entertaining first half.
Isak opened the scoring in the 20th minute. The Liverpool striker moved behind Virgil Ghiță, collected Yasin Ayari’s through-ball and powered his finish beyond Radu.
Romania responded nine minutes later through Dennis Man. A quick counterattack allowed Man to lift the ball over Victor Lindelöf before producing an excellent volley past Viktor Johansson.
The equaliser did not discourage Sweden, and Gyökeres restored their advantage in the 43rd minute. Radu saved Lucas Bergvall’s initial shot, but the Arsenal striker reacted quickly to convert the rebound.
Sweden thought they had scored a third goal after halftime when Elliot Stroud found the top corner. VAR ruled out the effort because Isak had handled the ball during the build-up.
The hosts protected their narrow advantage and secured all three points.
Isak and Gyökeres Form Sweden’s Super Partnership
Sweden possess one of international football’s most physically powerful striker combinations.
Isak combines intelligent movement with close control and clinical finishing. He has started the club season strongly, recording four goals in his opening seven appearances for Liverpool.
Gyökeres had endured a more difficult opening to the campaign with Arsenal, but scoring the winner for Sweden could provide the confidence he needs.
The two strikers offer complementary qualities. Isak can drift into wide areas or drop between the lines, while Gyökeres uses his strength and direct running to attack central defenders.
Sweden will hope their partnership can fire the country towards another promotion and an eventual return to the highest level of the Nations League.
Strong Starts for Belgium and Sweden
Belgium and Sweden entered the new Nations League campaign with different expectations, but both demonstrated their attacking potential.
Van Bommel’s Belgium delivered one of the best away performances of the opening round, defeating Italy through intelligent counterattacks and excellent goalkeeping.
Sweden relied on their established attacking stars, with Isak and Gyökeres showing why they could become one of Europe’s most dangerous international partnerships.
For Mancini and Italy, the result was a reminder that possession alone will not win important matches. The Azzurri must improve quickly before facing Türkiye.
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