Van Bommel sees Belgium dominate before a cruel reversal against Italy
On February 23, Mark Van Bommel's Red Devils began their Nations League campaign with a first half in which Belgium clearly dominated the proceedings, before seeing the second half collapse against an Italy that knew how to exploit their flaws.
A sparkling first half
At the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Belgium imposed its game from the first minutes, creating numerous chances. Mika Godts, freshly arrived from PSG, provided a first technical move (1st) and quickly threatened the Italian defence. Charles De Ketelaere then shot at Donnarumma (7th) before the PSG genius, now wearing Eden Hazard's number 10, found the top corner thanks to a strike from Kevin De Bruyne (20th, 0‑1).
Italy responded quickly, Barella delivering a perfect ball to Pio Esposito who hit the post (8th). Despite a few attempts by Mika Godts, Italy continued to threaten, notably with a shot from Moïse Kean (18th). Belgium maintained the pressure, De Ketelaere striking again (23rd) and Tielemans adjusting his ball to create another chance (28th).
A second half turned upside down
The second act turned into a nightmare for the Red Devils, who struggled to replicate the first‑half mastery. Senne Lammens had to intervene several times, stopping Kean (47th) and Esposito (52nd) to prevent an Italian equaliser. Dodi Lukebakio, brought on as a “supersub”, finally found the back of the net on a counter‑attack (69th), giving Belgium a second goal, but too late.
Mika Godts shines, the Red Devils dominate Italy in the first half
The Italians kept pushing, with Scarlat Scalvini missing the final corner (87th). Despite the initial brilliance, Belgium showed defensive fragility, notably with Castagne and De Cuyper often caught out of position. Van Bommel left the dressing room with criticism, highlighting the lack of alternative solutions and the poor management of the press in the second period.
The match ended 0‑2 in favour of Italy, but Belgium’s performance before the break hinted at promising potential under Van Bommel’s guidance. The Dutch manager expressed his satisfaction with the displayed playing identity, even though the return to the dressing room was deemed unworthy of the first act.
Mark van Bommel celebrates Italy's win while praising De Bruyne
This opening match kicks off the Nations League with mixed feelings for Belgium, but it provides a solid foundation to build upon. Van Bommel stressed the importance of consistency over the full 90 minutes, a crucial point ahead of the next clash against Zinedine Zidane’s France scheduled for Monday.