Football Italia·Italy·Friday, September 25, 2026 at 09:11 PM

Cambiaghi: ‘Italy struggled, but will see a better performance in Turkiye’

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Susy Campanale

Nicolo Cambiaghi plays for Italy against Belgium in the Nations League (@azzurri)

Nicolò Cambiaghi admits Italy ‘really struggled in the first half’ against Belgium, but remains confident ‘we’ll see a better’ performance in the next Nations League match with Turkiye.

The Bologna winger was an unexpected figure to complete the trident attack in a 4-3-3 formation with Moise Kean and Francesco Pio Esposito, yet proved to be one of the only impressive performers on the night at the Stadio Olimpico.

ROME, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 25: Italy team and Belgium team players observe a minute of silence in memory of Franco Baresi 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) — ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 25: Italy team and Belgium team players observe a minute of silence in memory of Franco Baresi 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)

His versatility allowed the Azzurri to shift into a 3-5-2 when required, with Giovanni Di Lorenzo pushing further forward on the right flank.

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It didn’t pay off, as Belgium ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio, both sparked by misplaced passes in midfield.

ROME, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 25: Nicolò Cambiaghi of Italy compete for the ball with Timothy Castagne 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) — ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 25: Nicolò Cambiaghi of Italy compete for the ball with Timothy Castagne 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)

“I have to be honest, we really struggled in the first half, Belgium did better than us and had a lot of scoring opportunities, Gigio Donnarumma rescued us on several occasions,” confessed Cambiaghi to Sky Sport Italia.

“We did better after the break, we too had two or three big chances, but we didn’t manage to equalise, and then they scored the second on the counter.”

This is only the second time in history that Italy have lost a home fixture by two clear goals without reply, the other also a 2-0 result against Croatia in August 2006.

The Italy starting XI for the Nations League MD against Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome (@azzurri)

“I think we need to build from this reaction that we had in the second half, because we haven’t been working together for long and we don’t have much time until the next game either,” added Cambiaghi.

“I think we are a great team, but we certainly need to prove it after recent disappointments. The lack of training and time together isn’t an excuse, I am sure from Monday we’ll see a better Italy.”

The Azzurri will be back in action for the trip to Vincenzo Montella’s Turkiye on Monday at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).

This is a head-to-head to avoid bottom spot, as Turkiye suffered a 1-0 home defeat to France thanks to the goal scored by Kylian Mbappé.

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