Di Lorenzo asks Italy for patience after 2-0 loss to Belgium
Giovanni Di Lorenzo, captain of the National team, asked for patience from fans and media after the 2‑0 defeat against Belgium in the Nations League, played in Rome on September 25, 2026. The captain emphasized the need not to divide the team and to look to the future for Italy.
‘If we start tearing the National team apart already, it is not useful’, Di Lorenzo said, adding that fans and the press must show patience towards Italy.
A new start under Mancini
The Azzurri have begun their second era under Roberto Mancini, the coach who led the team to the European Championship victory in 2021, the last positive moment for the fans. That triumph was followed by a series of nightmares, including missing out on the World Cup for three consecutive editions.
Nations League: the setback against Belgium
The Nations League campaign started disastrously for Italy, which lost 2‑0 at home against Belgium thanks to goals from Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio. Belgium, in its debut with the new coach Mark van Bommel, showed a rapid assimilation of his ideas.
Mancini starts second Azzurri spell with clear call against Red Devils
Di Lorenzo spoke to RAI Sport, stating: ‘It is certainly not pleasant to leave the field under mockery, but we must accept it’. He added that the team tried to give its best, was tense at the start but improved as the match went on.
‘They have excellent individuals and they exploited every one of our mistakes’, Di Lorenzo observed, citing Kevin De Bruyne’s performance, which he describes as ‘phenomenal’ and whose qualities he knew from the Napoli days.
According to Di Lorenzo, the National team suffers from a psychological block caused by many disappointments and the pressure has dented its self‑esteem; only results against great opponents can restore confidence.
Mika Godts' goal reveals the talent void in Italy
The defeat is the first of four fixtures in two weeks; Italy will have to correct the mistakes to become competitive again in the Nations League and rebuild the team’s credibility.