Belgium defeat deepens Italy football crisis

Italy lost 2-0 at home to Belgium in the Nations League in Rome on Friday, continuing their struggles six months after failing to qualify for a third straight World Cup. The defeat followed a playoff loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in March.

Match Details

Mika Godts scored the opening goal in the twentieth minute for Belgium, marking his first international goal. Kevin De Bruyne set up the play, allowing Godts to dribble past defenders and beat goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Dodi Lukebakio secured the second goal for Belgium in the second half with a shot from outside the area. The match marked the debut of new Belgium coach Mark van Bommel. Roberto Mancini returned to manage Italy after leaving the role previously to coach Saudi Arabia. Only 47,155 spectators attended the game at the 70,000-seat Stadio Olimpico, where home fans began whistling early in the match.

Next Fixtures

Italy plays Turkiye away on Monday, followed by an away match against France next Friday and a home game against Turkiye in Bologna.