Belgium kicked off the Mark van Bommel era with a commanding 2-0 Nations League victory away to Italy on Friday at Rome's Stadio Olimpico. Mika Godts scored his first international goal and Dodi Lukébakio added a second to give the Red Devils a perfect start under their new coach.
New boss Mark van Bommel, the former Netherlands international hired after Rudi Garcia's post-World Cup exit, saw his side take early control. In the 20th minute, on his 125th cap, Kevin De Bruyne set up Mika Godts. The Paris Saint-Germain forward wrong-footed Gianluca Mancini before beating goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. "We left gaps and conceded two avoidable goals," said Italy fullback Riccardo Calafiori. "There's a lot of work to do."
Belgium sealed the win midway through the second half. On a swift counter-attack, Dodi Lukébakio fired home from outside the area, leaving Sandro Tonali stranded in a desperate recovery run. The defeat prompted jeers for Italy and returning manager Roberto Mancini, back after a three-year spell with Saudi Arabia. "When we lose, nobody is happy," Mancini said. "When you lose, you can get jeered."
A major test awaits next, with a home fixture against France on Monday.
Read the full report at ESPN Soccer
