Roberto Mancini admitted Italy’s first-half display was “below expectations” after the Azzurri suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Belgium in the Nations League.

The returning EURO 2020 hero had hoped for a stronger beginning to his second spell in charge, but Italy now faces an uphill battle in the competition. Belgium was the better side before the break, while Italy improved significantly after half-time without finding an equaliser.

Mancini admits Italy fell short

Mancini acknowledged that Belgium had the upper hand during the opening 45 minutes but felt Italy responded well after the interval and created enough opportunities to get back into the match.

“Belgium played better in the first half; we took the initiative in the second and could’ve equalised, but we conceded on a counterattack with 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.”

Italy suffers a 2-0 defeat to Belgium

Although Italy showed signs of improvement after the break, Belgium ultimately secured the victory. Dodi Lukebakio scored on the counter-attack after Mika Godts had opened the scoring, leaving Mancini’s side without a goal despite their second-half pressure.

The defeat leaves Italy at the bottom of Nations League Group A on goal difference after France recorded a 1-0 away victory over Turkiye.

Mancini’s return to the Azzurri dugout therefore began with a disappointing result, with Italy already facing a difficult challenge in the group.

Mancini responds to Italy’s jeers

The reaction from the supporters was also a difficult part of the evening, with Italy jeering both at half-time and again at the final whistle.

Mancini accepted that such a response can come with defeat, particularly given the disappointment surrounding the national team in recent years.

“When we lose, nobody is happy. When you lose, you can get jeered,” he said.

Italy handouts international debuts

There were also opportunities for new faces during the match. Alessandro Romano made his Italy debut in the starting XI after switching his allegiance from Switzerland.

Momo Zoma and Issa Doumbia were also handed their first senior appearances late in the game, adding further new international faces to Mancini’s squad.