Senne Lammens Shines as Belgium Beat Italy 2-0 in Nations League

Senne Lammens answered Belgium’s call in Rome, making two decisive saves after the visitors had gone 1-0 ahead as they defeated Italy 2-0 in the UEFA Nations League. The Manchester United goalkeeper’s assured display marked a significant response to the error that contributed to Belgium’s World Cup quarter-final defeat by Spain in July.

A fresh opportunity in Rome

Mark van Bommel, recently appointed as Belgium coach, kept faith with the 24-year-old for the trip to Italy. Lammens rewarded the decision with an authoritative evening, helping Belgium preserve their advantage at a crucial stage before sealing an impressive away win.

Thibaut Courtois had chosen not to take part in Belgium’s Nations League fixtures, opening the door for Lammens to establish himself in the side. Van Bommel knows the goalkeeper well from their time together at Antwerp and had previously identified him as a potential long-term No. 1 for the national team.

• Belgium won 2-0 against Italy in Rome.
• Lammens made two important stops while Belgium led 1-0.
• The match was his first major chance to respond after July’s World Cup disappointment.
• Belgium will next travel to Paris to play France in the Nations League.

Recovering from World Cup setback

Lammens had faced intense scrutiny following Belgium’s quarter-final loss to Spain in Los Angeles, when a mistake proved costly in the World Cup exit. He said the aftermath had been difficult to manage, describing the occasion as emotionally demanding after he had hoped to make a positive contribution for both team and country.

“Getting beyond it was not easy,” Lammens said after the win over Italy. “It was an emotional experience. I wanted to do something for the side and for my country, but it did not happen that day. It was unfortunate, but football moves on, and I tried to move forward quickly.”

The goalkeeper credited those close to him for helping him deal with the reaction to that match. He also stressed that the demands of top-level football leave little time to dwell on a setback, and expressed satisfaction at showing his level again on the international stage.

Courtois competition and France ahead

Despite taking advantage of Courtois’ absence, Lammens made clear that he remains fully aware of the standing held by Belgium’s established goalkeeper. Courtois, one of the game’s most decorated keepers, is expected to remain a central figure when available.

“Thibaut has achieved so much and he is among the world’s best goalkeepers,” Lammens said. “There will always be room for him. I am not thinking about whether he will play when he returns. Whether I am selected in goal or not, I will give everything.”

Lammens also praised Van Bommel’s early work with the squad, citing clear messages in meetings and a strong focus on intensity. Belgium will seek to carry the defensive resilience shown in Rome into their next Nations League assignment in Paris, where Lammens will hope his performance against Italy earns him another start against France.