Belgium Beat Italy 2-0 as Van Bommel Makes Winning Nations League Start

Mark van Bommel began his Belgium tenure with a statement 2-0 Nations League win over Italy at the Stadio Olimpico, as goals from Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio gave the visitors their first competitive victory against the Azzurri in more than five decades.

The Dutchman had not managed for two years before accepting the Belgium job, but his side settled quickly into the 4-3-3 shape prepared during a short training camp. While attention before the match had centred on Roberto Mancini’s return to the Italy set-up, Van Bommel’s new team controlled much of the opening half in Rome and took their chances through Godts and Lukebakio.

Van Bommel said he was fully pleased with the result and the response from his players, while acknowledging there remains room for development. Belgium had begun work on Monday with the hunger and intensity he wanted to see, he said, adding that the squad had spent three days working on the system. He felt the performance was not flawless, but believed his side had managed the first half well.

Italy improved after the interval and placed Belgium under greater pressure. Senne Lammens made a major save during that spell, before substitutions helped the visitors regain their footing. Lukebakio then struck a decisive second goal, one Van Bommel compared with the winger’s notable finish for Milan at San Siro.

The result ended a long run of Italian success in competitive meetings with Belgium. Italy had recorded five wins and two draws against the Belgians since Belgium’s previous competitive success, a 2-1 European Championship play-off victory in May 1972.

Van Bommel now has a platform on which to further develop his 4-3-3 in the coming international window. For Italy, the home loss takes the edge off Mancini’s return and leaves the Azzurri needing a swift response before their next important fixtures.