Van Bommel: ‘Belgium 100 per cent happy’ after ending Italy curse

ROME, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 25: Mark van Bommel head coach of Belgium celebrates after winning 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)

Mark van Bommel was ‘100 per cent happy’ with his Belgium debut, the first time they beat Italy in a competitive match since 1972 to go top of the Nations League group.

The focus was all on this being the return to the Nazionale of Roberto Mancini, but it also represented the debut on the Belgium bench of Van Bommel.

The Dutchman had not worked in management for two years, but dived in with a 2-0 victory at the Stadio Olimpico, thanks to goals from Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio.

Van Bommel off to perfect Belgium start

“I am 100 per cent happy and satisfied, although of course one can always improve too,” said Van Bommel in his press conference.

“We started work on Monday with the right hunger and intensity that we also saw on the field today. We worked on this 4-3-3 system for three days, it wasn’t a top performance, but we controlled the first half very well.

“Italy pressed us better after the break and Senne Lammens made an incredible save. With the changes, we regained control of the match and Lukebakio’s wonderful goal sealed it, just like he did at San Siro against Milan.”

Italy had been unbeaten against Belgium in competitive fixtures since a 2-1 European Championship play-off in May 1972, securing five victories and two draws.

Godts was not even fully fit after a chaotic summer that saw him eventually make the transfer to Paris Saint-Germain.

“We don’t just have 11 starters, everyone can make the difference. Some players didn’t have 90 minutes in their legs. Godts had an extraordinary performance, I told him to always try to run at players and make something happen.

“It is difficult to keep up this tempo for 90 minutes, especially at international level, but we hope to keep it going for as long as possible.”

When Van Bommel was pushed to comment on Mancini’s choices for the midfield three, he remained diplomatic.

“That wouldn’t be fair to Mancini. I am happy with my own midfielders, you have to ask Mancini that question.”

Leandro Trossard missed the trip to Italy with a heel injury, and the coach confirmed he will also be out of the next Belgium fixture against France on Monday.

“There will be some squad rotation, including lads who were in the stands today.”

Napoli midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is another who is not fully fit, but showed vast improvements from the player seen for Belgium at the World Cup.

“It’s all about him, I cannot improve an individual player,” smiled Van Bommel.

“When you’ve got the quality of De Bruyne, everything becomes easier. He’s one of the best players in the history of Belgian football.”