Mancini: Italy’s Second Half Better Than Belgium’s, Despite First-Half Lapses

Roberto Mancini acknowledged the first half was "below expectations," but maintained Italy "did really well" after the break in their 2-0 loss to Belgium. He noted, "When you lose, you can get jeered."

The coach, returning to lead the Azzurri after their EURO 2020 success, aimed for a strong start to his second tenure. However, this 2-0 home defeat against Belgium presents an immediate challenge in the Nations League.

While the team showed improvements in the second half, Dodi Lukebakio sealed the victory for Belgium on a counter-attack following Mika Godts' opening goal.

"Belgium played better in the first half, we took the initiative in the second and could’ve equalised, but we conceded on a counter-attack due to our error. This is football," Mancini told RAI Sport.

"The first half was below expectations, as Belgium played better, but not the second half. The team did really well until that second goal; we had four or five chances to equalise, we pinned them back, but Belgium are a strong side."

Mancini, who first took charge when Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, now inherits a squad still dealing with the disappointment of missing three consecutive World Cups.

This disappointment extended to the fans, who voiced their displeasure with loud jeers at halftime and again at the final whistle.

"When we lose, nobody is happy. When you lose, you can get jeered," Mancini admitted.

Alessandro Romano made his Italy debut in the starting lineup after switching his international allegiance from Switzerland. Momo Zoma and Issa Doumbia also earned their first senior caps as late substitutes.

In Group A of the Nations League, France secured a 1-0 away win against Turkiye. Italy currently sits at the bottom of the group based on goal difference.