Italy-Belgium LIVE: Belgium takes the lead in the Nations League

In the 20th minute, Godts breaks the silence of the Olimpico with the first goal, giving Belgium an early lead in the Nations League clash against Italy. The Italian goalkeeper Donnarumma is immediately under pressure, while the defence of Mancini tries to contain the Belgian attacks. The match, broadcast LIVE, is part of the first round of the UEFA Nations League.

The second Belgian strike

In the 69th minute, the BELGIAN GOAL comes thanks to Lukebakio: a ball lost by Barella allows De Ketelaere to launch the striker, who with his left foot places the ball into the right corner of Donnarumma. The play marks the Belgian double and brings the score to 0‑2. Italy tries to respond, but the Belgian defence remains compact.

Italian chances

In the second half, Italy pushes: at the 83rd minute Calafiori tries a left‑footed shot but does not find the goal, while at the 77th minute Barella attempts a finish from the edge, over the crossbar. At the 57th minute, Cambiaghi serves Pio Esposito, whose first‑time shot is saved by Lammens. At the 47th minute, Kean strikes on the volley but the ball goes out.

At the 57th minute, De Ketelaere delivers a left‑sided cross; Mancini passes to De Bruyne, who attempts a header, but Donnarumma blocks it easily. At the 49th minute, Barella sends a through ball for Esposito, whose header is again saved by Lammens. At the 36th minute, Cambiaghi crosses towards the second post, but Kean only hits the outside of the net.

Ligue Nations sees Mancini back as Italy prepare for Belgium clash

Meanwhile, Belgium creates danger: at the 43rd minute Ngoy attempts a finish, but Donnarumma controls the ball. At the 42nd minute De Bruyne serves Godts, who scores but the shot goes wide. At the 28th minute Godts heads a cross from the right, but Donnarumma saves the opposing goalkeeper.

The starting line‑ups saw Italy in a 4‑3‑3 with Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, G. Mancini, Coppola (replaced at the 65th minute by Scalvini) and Calafiori in defence, Barella, Romano, Tonali in midfield and Kean, P. Esposito, Cambiaghi in attack, coached by R. Mancini. Belgium lined up Lammens; Castagne, Mechele, Ngoy, De Cuyper, Tielemans, Raskin (replaced at the 74th minute by Lavia), De Bruyne (replaced at the 58th minute by Van Aken), Moreira (replaced at the 58th minute by Lukebakio), De Ketelaere, Godst, under the guidance of Van Bommel. The referee Siebert (Germany) cautioned Raskin, Moreira, G. Mancini and Lavia.

Italy stumbles under Mancini against Van Bommel's new Belgium

The final result 0‑2 leaves Italy with zero points and Belgium with two, opening the first round of the Nations League with a two‑point advantage. The match showed the difficulty of Italy in converting chances against a well‑organized Belgian defence.