Belgium spoil Roberto Mancini’s Italy return as Godts and Lukebakio strike in Rome
Roberto Mancini’s return to the Italy dugout ended in disappointment as Belgium secured a 2-0 Nations League victory at the Stadio Olimpico. Mika Godts opened the scoring in the first half before substitute Dodi Lukebakio sealed the result after the interval, handing Belgium boss Mark van Bommel a winning start.
Godts gives Belgium control
Both sides were tested early, with Gianluigi Donnarumma and Senne Lammens making saves at either end. Charles De Ketelaere was denied for Belgium, while Moise Kean went close for the hosts.
Belgium took the lead in the 20th minute. Godts sent Gianluca Mancini and Diego Coppola to the ground before calmly finding the bottom-right corner. The visitors then controlled much of the remainder of the first half.
Donnarumma kept Italy in the contest with a brilliant double save to deny De Ketelaere and Nicolas Raskin, then stopped a powerful Godts header. Diego Moreira also missed a straightforward opportunity, while Maxim De Cuyper fired wide before the break.
Lukebakio punishes Italy’s missed chances
Italy improved after half-time and created several chances. Kean forced Lammens into a sharp save with his right leg, while Francesco Pio Esposito went close twice. The Belgium goalkeeper first held Esposito’s header and then made an excellent stop from the Inter striker’s first-time effort after a cut-back by Nicolo Cambiaghi.
Belgium made Italy pay for that wastefulness in the 69th minute. Lukebakio collected the ball near halfway, drove forward, cut inside Sandro Tonali and Daniel Maldini, and curled a long-range effort into the bottom-left corner.
Italy threatened a late response, but Riccardo Calafiori shot wide with the outside of his boot and Giorgio Scalvini missed the target from inside the six-yard box.
Contrasting starts for the two coaches
Italy’s second-half performance offered Mancini some encouragement, with 1.22 of the hosts’ 1.52 expected goals arriving after the break. However, Lammens’ saves at crucial moments and Lukebakio’s decisive finish ensured Belgium left Rome with all three points.
Donnarumma and Lammens both made six saves. Kevin De Bruyne led the match with five chances created, while Godts topped Belgium’s figures for dribbles attempted and possessions won, alongside his opening goal.
Belgium’s next Nations League fixture is a home meeting with France. Italy will travel to Turkiye seeking the first victory of Mancini’s second stint in charge.