Italy suffer historic home defeat as Belgium win Nations League opener

Italy began their Nations League campaign with a 2-0 defeat by Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio scored the goals as Belgium claimed victory in the opening match of the League A group stage.

The result marked a disappointing start to Roberto Mancini’s second spell as Italy manager. It was also Marc van Bommel’s first match in charge of Belgium.

Italy fell behind after 20 minutes when Godts produced a fine individual piece of play. The Belgium forward dribbled past two Italian defenders before guiding his shot into the far corner beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Belgium doubled their advantage in the 69th minute. Lukebakio found space outside the penalty area and sent a curling effort beyond Donnarumma to complete the scoring.

The defeat was a historic one for Italy, who lost at home by at least two goals without scoring for the first time in 40 years. Their previous such result came in a 2-0 defeat by Croatia in August 2006.

The match was played at the Stadio Olimpico, but Italy were unable to respond after Belgium took control of the contest. Belgium’s clean sheet secured three points in the opening round of fixtures.

In the other match in the same group, France beat Turkey 1-0.

Belgium and France therefore share top spot in the group, with Turkey also in contention, while Italy sit bottom without a point.