Belgium delivered a commanding performance in their UEFA Nations League campaign opener, securing a 2-0 away victory over Italy in Rome and snapping a five-match winless streak in head-to-head encounters. Mika Godts opened the scoring with his first senior international goal, before substitute Dodi Lukebakio sealed the win with a clinical finish that proved decisive in what shaped up as a captivating contest between two newly appointed managers. Roberto Mancini's second tenure as Italy boss got off to a disappointing start, while Mark van Bommel's maiden assignment leading Belgium's Red Devils ended in impressive fashion.
The breakthrough arrived when Godts latched onto a precisely-weighted through ball from Kevin De Bruyne and demonstrated composure beyond his years, weaving past the challenges of Diego Coppola and Gianluca Mancini before converting past Gianluigi Donnarumma. Italy's goalkeeper proved to be a significant obstacle to further Belgian advancement, producing a double save in quick succession to deny Charles De Ketelaere and Nicolas Raskin, and later denying Godts' header from close range. The hosts squandered their clearest opportunity when Moise Kean failed to capitalize on a dangerous ball from Nicolo Cambiaghi, firing wide from the far post in a first half that proved absorbing throughout.
Italy emerged with renewed vigor after the interval and nearly found an equalizer within two minutes of the restart, but substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens produced an outstanding save with his outstretched right leg to thwart Moise Kean's attempt. The Belgian stopper then prevented Pio Esposito from reducing the deficit, preserving his team's advantage during a frantically-paced section of play. Belgium struck the decisive blow when Lukebakio, on the pitch for merely 11 minutes, capitalized on a devastating counter-attack by firing an unstoppable finish into the bottom corner. Despite Italy's continued pressure—with Riccardo Calafiori seeing a left-footed strike clear the far post and Giorgio Scalvini rattling the crossbar late on—they could not breach Belgium's defense.
The result reflects starkly different trajectories for both nations heading forward. Belgium's composed victory extends an impressive run to just one defeat in their last 20 games across all competitions (recording 13 wins and 6 draws), demonstrating the strength of their current form. Italy's third loss in their last 12 matches carries particular significance in its manner and timing, arriving early in Mancini's return to the dugout and suggesting considerable work remains to restore the side to former heights. Lammens earned recognition as the standout performer, with his match-winning contributions proving pivotal in Belgium's dominant display.