Belgium beat Italy 2-0 in Rome as Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio scored, handing Roberto Mancini a losing Nations League return.
Belgium opened their 2026/27 UEFA Nations League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Italy in Rome. Mika Godts scored after 20 minutes before substitute Dodi Lukebakio struck in the 69th, giving new Belgium coach Mark van Bommel a winning start.
The defeat deepened Italy’s uncertainty after a third consecutive World Cup qualification failure. Roberto Mancini’s return did not produce the desired response, although his side improved after half-time.
Italy vs Belgium match details
- Competition: UEFA Nations League, League A, Group A1
- Result: Italy 0-2 Belgium
- Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
- Scorers: Mika Godts 20’, Dodi Lukebakio 69’
- Attendance: 47,155
- Coaches: Roberto Mancini and Mark van Bommel
Godts punishes Italy’s mistake
Belgium settled quickly and found space behind Italy’s midfield. Kevin De Bruyne, making his 125th appearance, created the breakthrough after Alessandro Romano lost possession, releasing Godts down the left.
Godts cut inside, beat Gianluca Mancini and Diego Coppola, then finished past Gianluigi Donnarumma for his first senior international goal. Italy’s loose possession enabled the counterattack.
Belgium could have led by more. Donnarumma denied Charles De Ketelaere, Nicolas Raskin and Godts. The Italian Football Federation’s official match report recorded 14 first-half Belgian attempts against Italy’s four.
Italy improve after half-time
Italy returned with greater urgency. Moise Kean forced Senne Lammens into a crucial save, Nicolò Cambiaghi attacked effectively from the left, and Pio Esposito also tested the goalkeeper.
Mancini introduced Giorgio Scalvini, Davide Frattesi and Daniel Maldini, hoping fresh legs would produce an equaliser. The hosts could not turn their best period into a goal.
Belgium remained dangerous in transition as Italy committed players forward and left spaces behind.
Lukebakio seals Belgium victory
Lukebakio replaced Diego Moreira in the 58th minute and struck 11 minutes later. He advanced from halfway, resisted Sandro Tonali and fired a powerful left-footed shot beyond Donnarumma.
The goal ended Italy’s momentum. Riccardo Calafiori later shot wide, and Scalvini struck the crossbar, but Belgium protected their clean sheet.
Belgium attacked decisively, defended their penalty area and retained their counterattacking threat. Lammens’ saves proved important during Italy’s recovery attempt.
Belgium’s tactical discipline was central to the result. Tielemans and Raskin screened the defence, allowing De Bruyne and Godts to receive possession in advanced areas. When Italy pushed their full-backs higher, Belgium attacked the vacant channels instead of forcing play through crowded central zones.
Mancini’s side improved once its passing became quicker, but the first-half deficit gave Belgium freedom to protect space and counter. The contrast was clear: Italy often needed several passes to progress, while Belgium reached dangerous territory with speed and purpose.
Pressure grows on Italy’s rebuild
This was Italy’s first match since their World Cup playoff defeat by Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mancini retained eight regulars from that unsuccessful campaign, raising questions about his rebuilding speed.
Romano debuted, Cambiaghi advanced confidently, and the second-half response created chances. Yet careless possession, limited creativity and vulnerability to counterattacks remained.
Italy must respond quickly in a demanding group. The official UEFA Nations League fixture list places Belgium, France, Italy and Türkiye together in Group A1. Belgium and France ended Matchday One on three points, while Italy and Türkiye remained without a point.
What the result means for Ugandan fans
Ugandan supporters saw familiar European-based players shape the match. De Bruyne assisted, Donnarumma prevented a heavier defeat, and Lukebakio scored from the bench.
Belgium next face France, while Italy travel to Türkiye needing points. With little recovery time, team news and confirmed line-ups will matter.
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Frequently asked questions
Who scored in Italy vs Belgium?
Mika Godts scored after 20 minutes. Substitute Dodi Lukebakio made it 2-0 with a powerful 69th-minute finish.
Who assisted Belgium’s first goal?
Kevin De Bruyne released Godts on the left after Belgium recovered possession. Godts beat two defenders before scoring.
Was this Roberto Mancini’s first game back?
Yes. It marked Mancini’s first match after returning for a second spell as Italy coach. His previous tenure included Euro 2020 success.
What was significant about Mika Godts’ goal?
It was Godts’ first senior Belgium goal and rewarded a lively performance against Italy’s defence.
Which teams are in Group A1?
Italy and Belgium share League A Group A1 with France and Türkiye. Each nation plays six league-phase matches before the final group positions are determined.
Conclusion
Belgium deserved victory after combining first-half authority with disciplined defending. Godts scored a memorable first international goal, while Lukebakio demonstrated Belgium’s depth from the bench.
Italy’s improvement offered limited encouragement, but missed chances could not disguise another painful result. Belgium leave Rome with three points, a clean sheet and early confidence under Van Bommel.
