Belgium Make Winning Start as Godts and Lukebakio Sink Italy

Belgium began their UEFA Nations League 2026 campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over Italy at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Mika Godts opened the scoring with a brilliant individual effort before Dodi Lukebakio added a second after the break to give new Belgium manager Mark van Bommel a winning start.

For Italy, the night marked the return of Roberto Mancini to the national team dugout, but the comeback ended in disappointment as the hosts struggled to turn their chances into goals.

Godts Provides the Breakthrough

Belgium made the brighter start and were rewarded in the 20th minute. Kevin De Bruyne helped create the opening before Mika Godts took control on the left. The Belgium forward cut inside, worked his way past two defenders and calmly placed the ball beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma.

It was a memorable moment for Godts, who scored his first international goal in his first competitive appearance for Belgium. The youngster's composure stood out as Belgium took control of the contest.

Belgium continued to threaten before half-time, with Donnarumma making important saves to prevent the visitors from extending their advantage.

Italy Push but Cannot Find the Equaliser

Italy returned from the break with greater urgency. Moise Kean tested Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens early in the second half, while Francesco Pio Esposito also came close on two occasions.

Lammens proved important for Belgium, producing several saves as Italy began to find more opportunities. Despite the improved performance, the hosts could not find the goal they needed. That failure would prove costly.

Lukebakio Doubles Belgium's Lead

Belgium struck again in the 69th minute, this time through Dodi Lukebakio. The forward collected the ball around halfway and drove towards the Italian defence. After cutting inside past Sandro Tonali and Daniel Maldini, Lukebakio unleashed a powerful effort from outside the box that found the bottom corner.

The goal gave Belgium a 2-0 advantage and put the result firmly in their hands. Italy tried to respond during the final stages, but Belgium's defence held firm. The visitors could even have added another goal as the match opened up.

Winning Debut for Mark van Bommel

The Belgium vs Italy UEFA Nations League 2026 clash was also significant because it marked Mark van Bommel's first competitive match as Belgium manager.

Van Bommel replaced Rudi Garcia following Belgium's run to the World Cup quarter-finals and immediately secured an impressive result away from home. Belgium's ability to defend their lead while remaining dangerous on the counter-attack will provide plenty of encouragement for the new coach.

Kevin De Bruyne also played a key role for Belgium, earning his 125th international cap and helping create opportunities for his teammates.

Difficult Return for Roberto Mancini

The result was a difficult beginning to Roberto Mancini's return as Italy manager. Mancini previously guided Italy to the European Championship title in 2021 before leaving the position in 2023. His return came after Italy's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, but the team was unable to give him the start he would have wanted.

Italy showed flashes of attacking promise, particularly after half-time, but defensive errors and missed chances ultimately proved decisive. The defeat also means Italy will have to respond quickly, with further Nations League fixtures coming up.

Belgium Take Early Momentum

The Italy 0-2 Belgium result gives the Red Devils three important points and an early boost under their new manager.

For Italy, there were some positive moments despite the defeat, particularly in the second half. However, the Azzurri will need to become more clinical in front of goal and more disciplined defensively if they are to turn those promising spells into results.

The biggest story from Rome, though, belonged to Belgium. Godts announced himself on the international stage, Lukebakio delivered a spectacular second goal and Lammens kept Italy at bay when the hosts threatened. It was the kind of night Van Bommel would have wanted from his first competitive game and a result that gives Belgium's Nations League campaign an early sense of momentum.