Whistles at the Olympiastadion – Mancini's second debut ends in defeat
Roberto Mancini began his second tenure as coach of the Italian national team at the home Stadio Olimpico in Rome with loud whistles from Italy and a 0‑2 defeat to Belgium. The Azzurri were already down after twenty minutes when Mika Godts scored the first goal. At halftime the whistles intensified the dismal start.
Mancini reacts to the criticism
Mancini said after the collapse that the whistles were understandable, but added defiantly that the team had played better in the second half. The press reacted critically: it asked whether that was all from Mancini II, while La Repubblica emphasized that there was much to do and a different debut was hoped for. The Corriere dello Sport also wrote that the Azzurri had failed to convince and left the pitch amid the fans' whistles.
In the second half the hosts played better, but eleven minutes after Dodi Lukebakio was substituted on he scored the second goal (69th minute). Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens nevertheless made repeatedly good saves that kept the game briefly open.
Italy seeks advantage in the Nations League against Turkey
Italy's coach Roberto Mancini returned 1,195 days after his last official match as national coach and was described by many as an unwelcome return. The fans of the Squadra Azzurra remained dissatisfied and continued their whistling.
Next, Italy travels away to Turkey on Monday, before the duel against France with new coach Zinédine Zidane on 2 October.
Italy puts pressure on Red Devils with nine subs against Turkey