{"id":9987,"date":"2026-09-28T12:51:21","date_gmt":"2026-09-28T09:51:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/?p=9987"},"modified":"2026-09-28T12:51:21","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T09:51:21","slug":"italy-0-2-belgium-nations-league-2026-report","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/italy-0-2-belgium-nations-league-2026-report\/","title":{"rendered":"Italy 0-2 Belgium: Godts and Lukebakio Strike in Rome"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Belgium beat Italy 2-0 in Rome as Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio scored, handing Roberto Mancini a losing Nations League return.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The defeat deepened Italy\u2019s uncertainty after a third consecutive World Cup qualification failure. Roberto Mancini\u2019s return did not produce the desired response, although his side improved after half-time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Italy vs Belgium match details<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Competition: UEFA Nations League, League A, Group A1<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Result: Italy 0-2 Belgium<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Scorers: Mika Godts 20\u2019, Dodi Lukebakio 69\u2019<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Attendance: 47,155<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Coaches: Roberto Mancini and Mark van Bommel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Godts punishes Italy\u2019s mistake<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Belgium settled quickly and found space behind Italy\u2019s midfield. Kevin De Bruyne, making his 125th appearance, created the breakthrough after Alessandro Romano lost possession, releasing Godts down the left.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Godts cut inside, beat Gianluca Mancini and Diego Coppola, then finished past Gianluigi Donnarumma for his first senior international goal. Italy\u2019s loose possession enabled the counterattack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Belgium could have led by more. Donnarumma denied Charles De Ketelaere, Nicolas Raskin and Godts. The Italian Football Federation\u2019s official <a href=\"https:\/\/www.figc.it\/it\/nazionali\/news\/il-belgio-passa-allolimpico-grazie-a-godts-e-lukebakio-inizia-con-una-sconfitta-il-cammino-degli-azzurri-in-nations-league-dgweuxfs\">match report<\/a> recorded 14 first-half Belgian attempts against Italy\u2019s four.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Italy improve after half-time<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Italy returned with greater urgency. Moise Kean forced Senne Lammens into a crucial save, Nicol\u00f2 Cambiaghi attacked effectively from the left, and Pio Esposito also tested the goalkeeper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Belgium remained dangerous in transition as Italy committed players forward and left spaces behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Lukebakio seals Belgium victory<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The goal ended Italy\u2019s momentum. Riccardo Calafiori later shot wide, and Scalvini struck the crossbar, but Belgium protected their clean sheet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Belgium attacked decisively, defended their penalty area and retained their counterattacking threat. Lammens\u2019 saves proved important during Italy\u2019s recovery attempt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Belgium\u2019s 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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mancini\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"770\" height=\"513\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-28_123356358.png\" alt=\"Italy forward Pio Esposito reacting with frustration after missing a scoring chance against Belgium in the UEFA Nations League.\" class=\"wp-image-9981\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-28_123356358.png 770w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-28_123356358-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-28_123356358-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-28_123356358-150x100.png 150w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-28_123356358-696x464.png 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Italy&#8217;s Pio Esposito reacts after failing to score during the Nations League match between Italy and Belgium. Photograph: Andrew Medichini\/AP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pressure grows on Italy\u2019s rebuild<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This was Italy\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Romano debuted, Cambiaghi advanced confidently, and the second-half response created chances. Yet careless possession, limited creativity and vulnerability to counterattacks remained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Italy must respond quickly in a demanding group. The official UEFA Nations League fixture list places Belgium, France, Italy and T\u00fcrkiye together in Group A1. Belgium and France ended Matchday One on three points, while Italy and T\u00fcrkiye remained without a point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What the result means for Ugandan fans<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ugandan supporters saw familiar European-based players shape the match. De Bruyne assisted, Donnarumma prevented a heavier defeat, and Lukebakio scored from the bench.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Belgium next face France, while Italy travel to T\u00fcrkiye needing points. With little recovery time, team news and confirmed line-ups will matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Follow international football with Bangbet<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Eligible Ugandan adults can visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug-m\/me\">Bangbet Uganda<\/a> to explore available markets for upcoming <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug-m\/sports\/Football\/International\/UEFA%20Nations%20League?tournamentId=sr%3Atournament%3A23755\">Nations League<\/a> fixtures. Check current form, injuries and confirmed line-ups before making a <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug-m\/sports\/Football\">selection<\/a>, and remember that football outcomes remain uncertain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bangbet is for adults aged 25 and above. Gambling involves financial risk and should be treated as entertainment, not income. Set firm limits, never chase losses, and stop if gambling becomes difficult to control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-28_124033212-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9984\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-28_124033212-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-28_124033212-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-28_124033212-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-28_124033212-150x84.png 150w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-28_124033212-696x392.png 696w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-28_124033212-1068x601.png 1068w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-28_124033212.png 1296w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Courtesy picture<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Frequently asked questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Who scored in Italy vs Belgium?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mika Godts scored after 20 minutes. Substitute Dodi Lukebakio made it 2-0 with a powerful 69th-minute finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Who assisted Belgium\u2019s first goal?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kevin De Bruyne released Godts on the left after Belgium recovered possession. Godts beat two defenders before scoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Was this Roberto Mancini\u2019s first game back?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. It marked Mancini\u2019s first match after returning for a second spell as Italy coach. His previous tenure included Euro 2020 success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What was significant about Mika Godts\u2019 goal?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was Godts\u2019 first senior Belgium goal and rewarded a lively performance against Italy\u2019s defence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Which teams are in Group A1?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Italy and Belgium share League A Group A1 with France and T\u00fcrkiye. Each nation plays six league-phase matches before the final group positions are determined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Belgium deserved victory after combining first-half authority with disciplined defending. Godts scored a memorable first international goal, while Lukebakio demonstrated Belgium\u2019s depth from the bench.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Italy\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":9983,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[35,34,30],"tags":[135,122,477,108,105,129,476,491,446,83,472],"class_list":["post-9987","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-football-news","category-football-odds","category-sports-betting-news","tag-bangbet","tag-bangbet-uganda","tag-beligium","tag-football","tag-football-news","tag-football-odds","tag-italy","tag-lukaku","tag-nations-league","tag-sports-news","tag-uefa-nations-league"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9987","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9987"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9987\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9988,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9987\/revisions\/9988"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9987"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9987"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ug\/temps\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9987"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}