Belgium defeats Italy 2-0 in Nations League opener as Mancini plans lineup overhaul for Turkey

Belgium takes victory at Stadio Olimpico

Italy opened its UEFA Nations League campaign with a 2-0 defeat against Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Approximately 47,000 spectators attended the fixture in a half-filled stadium, where home fans initially whistled the Belgian anthem before loudly jeering the Italian squad at the final whistle. The fixture marked the managerial debut of Mark Van Bommel, the former PSV, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and AC Milan midfielder, who led Belgium to all three points. Roberto Mancini oversaw an Italian side struggling to generate cohesive play following an earlier setback against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Despite attempting to establish an offensive rhythm, Italy failed to breach the Belgian defense throughout the match.

First-half chances and defensive pressure

Mancini deployed a 4-3-3 formation featuring a senior debut for young midfielder Romano, who formed a central trio alongside Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Barella. Diego Coppola and Gianluca Mancini started in central defense ahead of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, flanked by Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Riccardo Calafiori, while Moise Kean, Francesco Pio Esposito, and Nicolò Cambiaghi formed the attacking trident. Belgium fielded an identical tactical layout, with Senne Lammens in goal behind Timothy Castagne, Nathan Ngoy, Brandon Mechele, and Maxim De Cuyper, with Youri Tielemans, Nicolas Raskin, and Kevin De Bruyne anchoring midfield behind Diego Moreira, Charles De Ketelaere, and Arne Godts. Belgium took the lead in the 20th minute after Romano lost possession in midfield, allowing De Bruyne to deliver a pass for Godts to score. Donnarumma prevented further damage by saving a long-range effort from De Ketelaere and a follow-up rebound from Raskin in the 23rd minute, before stopping another header from Godts in the 28th minute. Italy's best first-half opportunity emerged in the 36th minute when Cambiaghi crossed from the left wing, but Kean fired into the side netting.

Squad changes planned for Bursa fixture

Following the defeat in Rome, the Italian national team turned its attention toward an away fixture on Monday evening against Turkey at the Atatürk Spor Kompleksi in Bursa. Turkey is led by former Italian international manager Vincenzo Montella, setting up a competitive group encounter in an atmosphere known for intense local support. The Italian coaching staff plans extensive alterations to the starting lineup to address physical fatigue and improve collective rhythm. Central defender Alessandro Bastoni will return to anchor the defensive line after serving a suspension. At right-back, Michael Kayode is competing to replace Di Lorenzo in the starting eleven, while Calafiori could be rested on the left side to allow minutes for Matteo Ruggeri or newcomer Honest Ahanor.

Midfield restructuring and attacking options

Turnover is also expected across Italy's midfield and attacking departments for the trip to Turkey. Technical staff are evaluating Nicolò Fagioli and Doumbia to manage central playmaking responsibilities. Several players who entered as second-half substitutes against Belgium, including Giorgio Scalvini, Davide Frattesi, and Daniel Maldini, are in contention for starting roles after providing energetic contributions off the bench. On the flanks, Nicolò Zaniolo is pushing for a starting spot to supply physical presence and direct running. The Italian squad travels to Turkey ahead of Monday's kickoff in Bursa.