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.

“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.

“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.