The Red Devils assert themselves in Italy, a brilliant start for van Bommel
The Belgium Red Devils beat Italy 0-2 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, giving their new manager Mark van Bommel a first dazzling success within his first 45 minutes at the helm of the national football team.
Dutch‑speaking reactions
The Dutch‑language newspapers welcomed the result with enthusiasm. The Laatste Nieuws headlined “Dream debut for van”, while the described the performance as “An excellent start”. It added that the first 45 minutes “were a pure pleasure to watch” and that this “promises many good things”. The same daily highlighted that the Red Devils “literally crushed the Italians”, and noted a jealousy “on the side of the Netherlands” regarding the displayed dynamism.
Francophone analysis
Francophone media remain more cautious. In the columns of DH/Les Sports +, one reads “We no longer know how much to trust the cheerful arrival of a manager at the Red Devils”, recalling the failures of Domenico Tedesco and Rudi Garcia. Sudinfo points out that, despite the joy of the 0-2 that animated the 800 Belgian fans present live, the Squadra Azzurra “finds itself more than ever in the ditch” after three missed World Cups.
Match stars
Among the protagonists, Thibaut Lammens made two decisive saves, while Kevin De Bruyne delivered his best performance in two years. Charles De Ketelaere confirmed his role as number one in attack, and the 21‑year‑old Mika Godts scored his first goal, receiving the praises (“Mamma mia, Mika”) and from analyst Philippe Albert, who describes him as a future great. Godts took over the number 10 left vacant by the injured Leandro Trossard.
Godts in starting XI, Lammens shines in Rome under Mark van Bommel
The match was also marked by the atmosphere in the stadium, where the Belgian supporters, about 800, followed the game live, creating a festive ambience in the heart of Rome. The Red Devils displayed a clear superiority, dominating the first half and hinting at a promising future under the leadership of van Bommel.
Despite the praise, the French press reminds that the success of a first encounter does not guarantee continuity. Critics stress the need to remain cautious, citing the setbacks suffered by previous coaches and the reconstruction still underway of the Italian team.
Van Bommel praises Godts and De Bruyne after the win over Italy
In conclusion, Mark van Bommel’s first match with Belgium generated widespread enthusiasm, but the upcoming challenges will remain the true test of the stability and progress of this group of Red Devils.