ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 25: Belgium head coach Mark van Bommel celebrates after winning the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League group stage match between Italy and Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico on September 25, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rossi/Getty Images)
Mark van Bommel was “100 per cent delighted” with his debut for Belgium, which beat Italy in an official match for the first time since 1972 to top their Nations League group.
The focus has been on Roberto Mancini’s return to the national team, but it also represented Van Bommel’s debut on the bench for Belgium.
The Dutchman, who has not been in charge of the team for two years, secured a 2-0 victory at the Stadio Olimpico thanks to goals from Mika Goetz and Dodi Lukbakio.
Van Bommel makes perfect start for Belgium
“I’m 100 percent happy and satisfied. Of course, people can always improve,” Van Bommel said at a news conference.
“We started working on Monday with the same hunger and intensity we saw on the pitch today. We trained for three days in this 4-3-3 formation and it wasn’t a top performance but we controlled the first half well.
“Italy put more pressure on us after the break and Sene Ramone made an incredible save. With the change, we regained control of the game and Luke Bacchio sealed the win with a fantastic goal, just like he did against Milan at the San Siro.”
Since defeating Belgium 2-1 in the European Cup play-offs in May 1972, Italy has remained undefeated in official competitions, achieving 5 wins and 2 draws.
Goetz eventually moved to Paris Saint-Germain after a chaotic summer, but he’s not even fully fit yet.
“We don’t just have 11 starting players, everyone has a role to play. Some players don’t have 90 minutes in their legs. Goetz’s performance was outstanding and I told him to always try to rush towards players and make things happen.
“It’s difficult to maintain this pace for 90 minutes, especially at international level, but we hope to keep it going for as long as possible.”
Van Bommel remained diplomatic when asked to comment on Mancini’s choices for the midfield trio.
“It’s not fair to Mancini. I’m happy with my midfielders and you have to ask Mancini that question.”
Leandro Trossard missed the trip to Italy with a heel injury and his coach confirmed he will also miss Belgium’s game against France on Monday.
“There will be some rotation of the squad, including the lads who were in the stands today.”
Napoli midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is another player who has yet to fully recover, but has shown huge improvement compared to what Belgium saw at the World Cup.
“It’s all about him, I can’t improve an individual player,” Van Bommel said with a smile.
“When you have De Bruyne’s quality, everything becomes easier. He is one of the best players in the history of Belgian football.”