Italy’s return under Roberto Mancini began with a disappointing result as the Azzurri suffered a 0-2 defeat to Belgium in the opening matchday of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League A.
Playing in front of their home supporters at Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Saturday, September 26, 2026, Italy struggled to contain Belgium during the opening stages before eventually conceding goals from Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio.
Nicolo Cambiaghi admitted after the match that Italy gave Belgium too many opportunities, particularly during the first half. Although the Azzurri improved after the break, they were unable to turn their better performance into goals.
The defeat leaves Italy with plenty to consider as Mancini begins his second spell in charge of the national team.
Italy Struggled From the Start Against Belgium
Belgium immediately looked more comfortable during the opening stages of the match.
Mark van Bommel’s side created several opportunities before eventually taking the lead through Godts in the 20th minute.
The Belgian forward received a pass from Kevin De Bruyne before finding the net to put the visitors ahead.
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma then played an important role in keeping his team within touching distance of Belgium.
The goalkeeper produced a double save to deny Charles De Ketelaere and Nicolas Raskin, preventing the visitors from extending their advantage before half-time.
Cambiaghi acknowledged that Italy’s slow start was one of the biggest problems.
“We did not start the match well. They had many chances to score,” Cambiaghi told RAI.
His assessment highlighted one of the key issues for Italy: Belgium were able to create dangerous situations too easily.
Italy Improved After Half-Time
The Azzurri showed a different side after the interval.
According to Cambiaghi, Italy responded positively and created three clear opportunities to find an equaliser.
However, the improvement did not result in a goal.
Instead, Belgium eventually doubled their advantage in the 69th minute through Lukebakio.
The substitute produced an individual effort, carrying the ball before unleashing a powerful shot from around 20 metres that left Donnarumma unable to prevent the second goal.
Cambiaghi believes Italy can still take something positive from their second-half response.
“We did well in the second half and created three very clear chances, but then they scored the second goal. We have to build on the reaction we showed after the break,” he said.
That reaction could become an important reference point for Italy as they prepare for their next matches.
Italy Struggled to Break Down Belgium
Creating chances was another challenge for Italy.
Despite improving after half-time, the Azzurri struggled to consistently find ways through Belgium’s defensive structure.
Cambiaghi explained that many of Italy’s more dangerous moments came from individual situations rather than sustained attacking combinations.
“We were only able to cause them problems through some one-on-one situations on the wings and occasionally through individual actions. We have to take the positives from the second half,” the Italy forward said.
That assessment points to an area where Italy still need to develop.
Against Belgium, the Azzurri found it difficult to produce enough coordinated attacking moves to consistently threaten the opposition.
Italy’s main problems against Belgium included:
- Giving Belgium too many opportunities during the first half
- Struggling to control the early stages of the match
- Finding it difficult to break down Belgium’s defence
- Relying heavily on individual actions and wing duels
- Failing to convert second-half chances into a goal
These issues contributed to a difficult opening result for Mancini’s side.
Limited Preparation Time Remains a Challenge
Cambiaghi also pointed to an important factor behind Italy’s performance: the squad has had limited time to work together.
The players had only been working with the coaching staff for a few days, meaning there has been little opportunity to establish new tactical patterns and improve their understanding on the pitch.
“We have only worked together for a few days, so there is still plenty of room to improve, and we will immediately face more matches,” Cambiaghi explained.
That lack of preparation time could be particularly relevant when assessing Italy’s performance.
The defeat exposed weaknesses, but the team is still in the early stages of Mancini’s second spell.
More training sessions and competitive matches should provide the coaching staff with opportunities to address those problems.
Donnarumma Kept Italy in the Game
Although Italy ultimately lost 0-2, Donnarumma’s performance prevented Belgium from creating an even bigger advantage during the first half.
His double save from De Ketelaere and Raskin came at an important moment after Belgium had already taken the lead.
Without that intervention, Italy could have entered the second half facing an even more difficult situation.
The goalkeeper’s contribution also underlined how much pressure Italy experienced before the break.
For the Azzurri, reducing the number of dangerous opportunities allowed to opponents will be an important objective in their upcoming matches.
Mancini Faces Work Ahead With Italy
The defeat represents a difficult beginning to Mancini’s second period as Italy coach.
However, Cambiaghi believes the reaction after half-time can provide a foundation for improvement.
The Azzurri created three clear chances after the break and showed greater competitiveness, although Belgium ultimately punished them with a second goal.
The challenge now is turning that improved response into a more complete performance.
Italy will need to address their slow start, reduce the number of chances conceded and find more consistent ways to create opportunities in attack.
For Mancini, the next matches will provide more time to work with the squad and develop the ideas he wants to implement.
The 0-2 defeat to Belgium exposed several areas that require attention, but Italy’s response after the interval gives Cambiaghi and his teammates something to build on.
With more matches ahead in the UEFA Nations League, the Azzurri will have opportunities to show whether the lessons from Rome can translate into a stronger performance next time.
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