Mancini's second start in Italy overshadowed by whistles

Roberto Mancini experienced a hostile reception in his own Olympic Stadium in Rome when the Italians lost 0-2 to Belgium and were booed by their own fans – a tough start for the Squadra Azzurra in the Nations League and had to face criticism.

Whistles and First Half

Alfredo Falcone of the AP reported that Mancini called the fans' whistles understandable after the defeat.

"The whistles are understandable," he said, "but in the second half we were better."

It was an uncomfortable moment when the Italians were already trailing after twenty minutes.

On the pitch, the spectators voiced their disapproval loudly.

The hosts played better in the second half, but eleven minutes after his substitution Dodi Lukebakio scored the second goal for Belgium at the Olympic Stadium in Rome.

The stadium was filled with the fans' chants until the end.

Mancini blames Italy's passivity against Belgium

Despite the Squadra Azzurra's attempt to bounce back, the result remained 0-2.

Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens repeatedly made sure saves.

The question was raised: "Italy: Was that all from Mancini II?," while La Repubblica wrote that Mancini had a lot to do and that a different debut had been expected.

Corriere dello Sport described the Nations League opener as a crushing defeat, with the Azzurri leaving the field amid whistles.

Thus, the start was anything but happy for Italy's head coach.

Italy's fresh start fails, France's Zidane debut shines in Turkey

Next, Italy travels away to Turkey on Monday, before a classic against France on 2. October with new head coach Zinedine Zidane will be played.

Zidane will have to manage without captain Kylian Mbappé, who, after his goal in Turkey, will miss the next three Nations‑League matches due to a hamstring injury.

The French Fédération has confirmed the period of absence.