Goal.com13 hours ago·2 min read·medium

Belgium spoil Mancini's Azzurri return with 2-0 Nations League victory

Khaled Mahmoud

✦AI Summary

Italy's national football team suffered a 2-0 defeat against Belgium in the Nations League during Roberto Mancini's return as manager. Despite flashes of promise, the Italian squad struggled with injuries and defensive errors, allowing Belgium to secure a victory in Rome.

Why it matters

The result marks a difficult start for a high-profile managerial return and highlights the ongoing challenges for the Italian national team in international competition.

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Roberto Mancini's second stint as Italy manager got off to a nightmare start as the Azzurri suffered a 2-0 defeat to Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico. Goals from Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio proved decisive in a match where the home side failed to capitalise on their chances, leaving their Nations League campaign facing an immediate uphill battle.

The return of Mancini to the Italy dugout was supposed to signal a new dawn for the national team , but instead, it provided a sobering reality check at the Stadio Olimpico. Taking charge for the first time since his abrupt departure in 2023, Mancini found his squad depleted by significant absences. Alessandro Bastoni was unavailable due to suspension, while key figures such as Federico Dimarco, Nicolo Zaniolo, and Bryan Cristante were sidelined through injury.

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