Belgium stun Italy as Mika Godts makes international mark in Nations League

Belgium began their Nations League campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over Italy on 25 September 2026, with Mika Godts scoring his first goal for the national team before Dodi Lukebakio sealed the points.

The result gives the Red Devils three points from the opening round and immediately intensifies the battle for top spot, with Belgium level at the summit with France. Italy and Turkey remain without a point at the bottom of the group.

Godts, the Paris Saint-Germain forward, was the standout performer in a match Belgium controlled after taking the lead. The 20-year-old opened the scoring after only 20 minutes with a composed individual effort.

Receiving possession on the left flank, Godts moved inside and worked his way past two Italian defenders before calmly directing his shot into the net. The finish marked his first international goal for Belgium and put his side in front.

Italy struggled to produce a response capable of turning the match in their favour, while Belgium remained a threat on the counter-attack and looked increasingly likely to add to their advantage.

Their second goal arrived in the 69th minute through substitute Lukebakio. Charles De Ketelaere supplied the decisive pass, allowing Lukebakio to finish the move and effectively end Italy’s hopes of securing a comeback.

Belgium’s victory leaves them alongside France on three points at the top of the standings, while Italy and Turkey have yet to open their accounts.

The match also provided a landmark moment for Godts, whose first senior international goal helped Belgium make an ideal start to their Nations League campaign.