Roberto Mancini’s return to the Italy dugout ended in disappointment on Friday night as the Azzurri suffered a 2-0 defeat to Belgium in their Nations League opener, and the result could lead to important changes in defence ahead of the next international fixture.
One of the biggest talking points from the match was Riccardo Calafiori’s deployment at left-back. The Arsenal defender was selected in the position as Italy dealt with several absences, including Federico Dimarco, who was unavailable because of injury. Calafiori has experience playing on the left side of the defence and has also operated as a full-back during his career, but the decision remained one of the more notable selections of Mancini’s first game back in charge.
Italy ultimately struggled during the opening stages against Belgium. Mika Godts gave the visitors the lead in the first half before Dodi Lukebakio doubled Belgium’s advantage after the interval. Italy improved significantly after the break but could not find a way back into the game.
The defeat has therefore created questions over Mancini’s defensive setup, particularly with several players expected to compete for positions once the squad becomes fully available.
Calafiori Starts at Left-Back
Calafiori started the match as Italy’s left-back in a back four that also included Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Gianluca Mancini and Diego Coppola. The selection came after Dimarco was ruled out of the international fixtures because of an injury sustained with his club.
The Italian Football Federation confirmed before the match that Dimarco had not recovered sufficiently and was replaced in the squad by Aston Villa defender Matteo Ruggeri.
With other defensive options also unavailable, Mancini opted to use Calafiori on the left.
The decision was understandable given the circumstances. Calafiori is comfortable receiving possession from deep, carrying the ball forward and contributing to attacks from the defensive line. His versatility has also made him a useful option for both club and country.
However, Belgium presented Italy with a difficult test, particularly during the first half.
The visitors created problems for Italy through quick combinations and transitions, while Italy struggled to maintain the compact defensive shape Mancini wanted.
Belgium Punish Italy
Godts opened the scoring after Belgium capitalised on an Italian mistake. The Belgian forward moved into the area and finished past Gianluigi Donnarumma after Italy lost possession.
Belgium continued to look dangerous before the interval, forcing Donnarumma into several important interventions.
Mancini admitted after the match that Italy’s first-half performance was below expectations. He explained that his team allowed Belgium too much space and struggled to stay compact.
That assessment is significant because it suggests the manager’s concerns were not necessarily focused on one individual defender.
Italy’s defensive problems were collective, with the midfield and defensive lines sometimes too far apart. Belgium exploited those spaces effectively and entered the break with the advantage.
Second-Half Improvement
Italy looked considerably better after the interval.
The Azzurri became more aggressive, recovered second balls and created several opportunities. Francesco Pio Esposito came close to scoring, while Moise Kean also tested Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
Calafiori also had an opportunity late in the match, shooting wide after Italy had pushed forward in search of a comeback.
Despite the improvement, Belgium eventually sealed the victory when Lukebakio drove forward and curled a long-range effort beyond Donnarumma.
Mancini said after the game that Italy should build on the positive aspects of the opening 25 minutes of the second half, when the team was more aggressive and recovered possession more effectively.
Could Mancini Change Calafiori’s Position?
The defeat could encourage Mancini to reconsider his defensive options, but there is currently no confirmed evidence that he has decided never to use Calafiori at left-back again.
Instead, the situation is more complicated.
Once injured players return, Mancini will have additional choices. Dimarco remains a natural left-sided option when fit, while Matteo Ruggeri was brought into the squad specifically after Dimarco’s withdrawal.
Calafiori could also continue to compete for a defensive role because of his versatility.
The Arsenal defender’s ability to play both centrally and on the left gives Mancini tactical flexibility. Rather than removing him from the position permanently, the manager could simply choose another player depending on the opponent and the availability of his squad.
A Bigger Defensive Rebuild
The bigger issue for Mancini is the overall reconstruction of the Italy team.
His return comes at a difficult moment for the national side. Italy have recently endured another disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign and are attempting to rebuild their squad.
Mancini made significant changes before the Belgium match, including several new call-ups, as he looks to identify players who can form the foundation of the team for the future. Reuters reported before the match that Mancini had emphasised the importance of giving younger players opportunities rather than relying exclusively on established names.
That means tactical experimentation should be expected.
Calafiori is one of the players who could benefit from that process because he can operate in different defensive roles. His versatility allows Mancini to adjust the formation without necessarily making a substitution.
Pressure After the Belgium Defeat
The 2-0 loss has nevertheless increased pressure on the Italian team.
The home supporters expressed their frustration during and after the match, with Italy being booed at the Stadio Olimpico. Mancini accepted the reaction, saying that criticism is part of football when a team loses.
For Mancini, the next match will provide an immediate opportunity to respond.
The manager will have to decide whether to maintain the same defensive structure or make changes. The availability of players who missed the Belgium game could have a major influence on those decisions.
Calafiori’s Future With Italy
Despite the disappointment, there is little reason to view one difficult match as a definitive judgment on Calafiori’s international future.
The Arsenal defender remains a valuable option because of his technical ability, physical qualities and tactical versatility.
His role could change depending on the players available to Mancini and the tactical demands of each opponent.
What appears more certain is that Mancini will continue experimenting with his defence during this rebuilding period.
The defeat to Belgium exposed several problems that Italy must address, but it also provided the new manager with valuable information about his squad.
For now, claims that Mancini has definitively banned Calafiori from playing left-back again should be treated cautiously. The available post-match reporting does not establish that such a statement was made.
What the Belgium defeat does show is that Mancini has plenty of decisions to make before Italy’s next Nations League fixture.
Calafiori could remain part of those plans, whether as a left-back or in a more central defensive role. With injured players potentially returning and new talents competing for places, the Italian defence could look considerably different in the matches ahead.
The next few fixtures will reveal whether Mancini makes major changes or chooses to give his current defensive structure another opportunity.
