Mancini's Return Debut with the Italian National Team Ends Bitterly, Gli Azzurri Lose 0-2 to Belgium

Roberto Mancini has returned to the head coach post of the Italian National Team on a disappointing note. Gli Azzurri opened Mancini's second tenure in charge with a 0-2 defeat against Belgium in the UEFA Nations League Group A fixture held at Stadio Olimpico, Italy, Saturday WIB.

Belgium's two goals were scored by Mika Godts in the 20th minute and Dodi Lukebakio in the 69th minute. This result also marks a positive debut for Mark van Bommel as Belgium's head coach.

Conversely, this loss leaves Italy sitting at 4th place, the very bottom of Group A Standings. Belgium top the group with 3 points, leading France on goal difference - France also collected 3 points after their 1-0 win over Turkey.

Italy actually started the match with promising momentum. Both sides traded attacking threats, though Gianluigi Donnarumma and Senne Lammens both held firm guarding their respective goals.

Donnarumma denied Charles De Ketelaere's goalscoring chance, while Lammens pulled off a critical save to stop Moise Kean's attempt on target.

Belgium finally found the breakthrough in the 20th minute. Godts dribbled past Gianluca Mancini and Diego Coppola before firing a low driven shot into the bottom right corner of Italy's goal.

This goal shifted the match momentum completely. Belgium grew far more confident and began applying heavy consistent pressure on the home side.

Italy had Donnarumma to thank for keeping the deficit narrow. The captain and Goalkeeper of Gli Azzurri pulled off two back-to-back saves to block strikes from De Ketelaere and Nicolas Raskin.

Belgium's attacking threat did not ease. Donnarumma once again showcased his sharp reflexes to parry away Godts' powerful header, right after Diego Moreira squandered a clear open chance in front of goal.

Maxim De Cuyper came very close to doubling Belgium's lead, only for his shot to drift wide past the right post of Italy's goal.

After the half time break, Italy came out playing far more aggressively. Just two minutes into the second half, Kean forced Lammens into a difficult save with a strike that the Belgian keeper only just deflected with his right foot.

Francesco Pio Esposito was then presented with two clear equaliser chances. His first header landed directly into Lammens' gloves, before the Belgium goalkeeper again denied the Inter Milan forward's first-time strike.

These chances should have been Italy's turning point to fight back. Instead, their failure to convert would come back to punish them.

In the 69th minute, Lukebakio doubled Belgium's lead with a brilliant solo run. He carried the ball forward from the halfway line, beat both Sandro Tonali and Daniel Maldini, before curling a precise shot from outside the penalty box.

The ball nestled perfectly into the bottom left corner of Donnarumma's net. Italy now trailed 0-2, with an almost impossible task left for the remainder of the match.

Gli Azzurri pushed desperately for a reply goal in the closing minutes. Riccardo Calafiori struck an effort with the outside of his boot, but the ball drifted wide of the right post.

Giorgio Scalvini then found space for a chance inside the penalty area, but his finish failed to hit the target.

No comeback goal arrived before the final whistle. Italy were forced to accept this 0-2 defeat in Mancini's very first match back at the helm of Gli Azzurri.

For Belgium, this victory gives Van Bommel the perfect start as head coach. They remain top of Group A and will face France in their next fixture.

Mancini must now immediately refocus for the upcoming match. Italy will Travel away to Turkey, chasing their first win of Mancini's second spell in charge of Gli Azzurri.