Belgium defeated Italy 2-0 in Rome on Friday, handing Roberto Mancini a losing start to his second spell as the Italian national team coach in the Nations League.
Mika Godts opened the scoring for Belgium in the 20th minute after capitalising on a defensive error between Italy defenders Gianluca Mancini and Diego Coppola.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward, calmly fired into the bottom corner to put the visitors ahead.
Italy struggled to respond as Belgium created several opportunities before the break.
Gianluigi Donnarumma made important saves to deny Charles De Ketelaere and Godts, while Pio Esposito came close for the hosts when his effort struck the outside of the post.
The hosts improved after the restart, with Esposito twice testing Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
However, Italy were unable to maintain their pressure as Belgium remained dangerous on the counter.
Belgium doubled their advantage in the 69th minute when substitute Dodi Lukébakio collected the ball near halfway, drove forward and cut inside before curling an impressive finish beyond Donnarumma.
Italy pushed for a way back into the game, but Riccardo Calafiori and Giorgio Scalvini were unable to convert their opportunities as Belgium held on for a deserved victory.
The defeat marked a disappointing return for Mancini, who resumed his role in July after replacing Gennaro Gattuso following Italy’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.
Belgium, meanwhile, enjoyed an impressive start under new coach Mark van Bommel.
