Godts, Lukebakio Star as Belgium Start Nations League With 2-0 Win Over Italy

Belgium made a winning start to their Nations League campaign, defeating Italy 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. The visitors produced the decisive moments at both ends of the match, with Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio finding the net to secure all three points for Mark van Bommel's side.

The match began with Belgium showing plenty of attacking intent. Italy struggled to contain the visitors during the opening stages, while goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was called upon to keep the hosts in the contest.

Belgium eventually broke the deadlock in the 20th minute, and it was Mika Godts who provided the breakthrough. Kevin De Bruyne played the ball toward Godts on the left, allowing the Belgian attacker to move into the penalty area. Godts then worked his way past defenders before calmly finishing beyond Donnarumma.

For Godts, the goal was particularly notable as he marked his first competitive appearance for Belgium with a goal. His individual quality gave Belgium the advantage and put Italy under immediate pressure.

Italy had opportunities to respond before halftime, but Belgium continued to create danger. Donnarumma made several important interventions, preventing the deficit from becoming larger. The Italian goalkeeper was particularly busy during a first half in which Belgium created several promising situations.

After the interval, Italy returned with greater attacking purpose. Moise Kean and Francesco Pio Esposito both came close to restoring parity, but Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens produced important saves to preserve his team's lead. Italy's improved spell offered the hosts a route back into the match, but they could not turn their opportunities into a goal.

Belgium then delivered the decisive blow in the 69th minute when Dodi Lukebakio took advantage of the loose Italian defense to score another goal. He created room for himself before unleashing a powerful left-footed shot that found the corner of the net comfortably.

Lukebakio's finish changed the complexion of the match. At 2-0, Italy needed two goals merely to draw level, while Belgium could concentrate on protecting their advantage.

Italy then tried hard to find a way back into the contest during the closing stages, but Belgium’s defence held firm. The visitors maintained their two-goal cushion until the final whistle, completing a clean-sheet victory in Rome.