Belgium Beat Italy 2-0 as Mancini's Return Begins With Defeat

Roberto Mancini's return as Italy head coach began with defeat, as Belgium won 2-0 in Rome in the opening round of the Nations League.

Belgium, playing their first match since losing to eventual World Cup winners Spain in the quarter-finals over the summer, controlled large parts of the contest against an Italy side still rebuilding after failing to qualify for three straight World Cups. Mancini, back in charge for a second spell having previously led the Azzurri to European Championship glory in 2021, was unable to inspire an instant response from the home crowd, who greeted his return with jeers.

The result sends an early statement in Group A1, which also contains France, who beat Turkiye 1-0 on the same night. Italy will look to bounce back quickly, while Belgium will next host France on Monday.