Di Lorenzo: ‘Tearing Italy apart is not helpful’ after 2-0 defeat to Belgium | OneFootball

Giovanni Di Lorenzo insists fans and media need to have patience with Italy after a 2-0 defeat to Belgium. ‘If we start tearing the Nazionale apart again already, it’s not helpful.’

The Azzurri began their second era under Roberto Mancini, who oversaw the last positive experience for fans when winning the European Championship in 2021.

That was surrounded by a series of nightmares that have left them traumatised, including the failure to reach the World Cup three times in a row.

Their Nations League campaign got off to a disastrous start too, losing 2-0 at home to Belgium with Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio goals.

Di Lorenzo protective of Italy

ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 25: A general view prior the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Italy and Belgium at Stadio Olimpico on September 25, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images)

“It is certainly not pleasing to leave the field to jeers, but we have to accept them,” Di Lorenzo told RAI Sport.

“The team tried to do its best, it’s a shame because we wanted to start the group well and we know that we’ve got to improve. We started feeling quite tense, but improved as the game wore on.”

Belgium were also making their debut under a new coach, but seemed to adapt far quicker to Mark van Bommel’s ideas.

ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 25: Gianluca Mancini of Italy compete for the ball with Youri Tielemans during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Italy and Belgium at Stadio Olimpico on September 25, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images)

“They have some excellent individuals and today made the most of every error we made. It’s a pity, because when we conceded the second goal, we had been doing better and had the chances to equalise.

“We will have to build on the positive things that we saw. This is the right path and we know what the coach wants, which is to see a positive and courageous team.

“This is the first of four games in two weeks, we made some mistakes, but will do better from now on.”

ROME – SEPTEMBER 25: Alessandro Romano of Italy compete for the ball with Brandon Mechele during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Italy and Belgium at Stadio Olimpico on September 25, 2026 in Rome (Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images)

There really does seem to be a psychological block in the Italy side now after so many disappointments, and they are weighed down by the pressure.

“It wasn’t a terrible performance, at times we took control and then games change quickly. It’s a new era, new faces and they can make mistakes in their first matches.

“If we immediately start tearing the Nazionale apart again already, it’s not helpful,” warned Di Lorenzo.

“We hope to be competitive as quickly as possible, I also think there is a self-esteem problem that we can only improve with results against big teams. We’ll give it our all.”

ROME – SEPTEMBER 25: Alessandro Romano of Italy compete for the ball with kevin De Bruyne during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Italy and Belgium at Stadio Olimpico on September 25, 2026 in Rome (Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images)

Kevin De Bruyne impressed for Belgium and Di Lorenzo knows him well from their time at Napoli.

“He’s a phenomenal player and I am fortunate to see him in training every day. He had a great performance tonight, unfortunately for us, but his quality is beyond doubt.”