Van Bommel leads Belgium to first triumph over Italy since 1972

Belgium has claimed the top of its Nations League group, thanks to a 2-0 win over Italy at the Olympic Stadium in Rome, a result that breaks a run of competitive defeats that began in May 1972.

Van Bommel's debut and the end of the curse

Mark van Bommel, former Dutch midfielder, led Belgium in his first match as head coach, declaring himself “100 per cent happy” for breaking the sequence of five wins and two draws by Italy against the Belgian side in official competitions.

The media focus was on Roberto Mancini's return to the Italian national team, but the main story was Van Bommel's first appearance on the Belgian bench, after two years of managerial inactivity.

Match details and reactions

The result was secured by Mika Godts, who opened the scoring, and by Dodi Lukebakio, the author of the decisive goal in the second half, both starring in an attack set up in the 4-3-3 formation crafted by Van Bommel in the three days prior.

Mark van Bommel pits Raskin and Belgium's youth against Italy

In the post‑match, Van Bommel praised the team: “We started on Monday with the right hunger and intensity, we controlled the first half well, even though Italy pressed better after the break.” He also highlighted the decisive intervention of goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

Absences had an impact: Leandro Trossard is out with a heel injury and will also miss the next fixture against France; Kevin De Bruyne, while not at 100 per cent, has shown improvements compared to the World Cup.

Van Bommel commented diplomatically on Mancini's midfield selection, leaving the assessment to the Italian coach. He also reiterated De Bruyne's quality, describing him as “one of the best players in the history of Belgian football.”

Mika Godts shines in Van Bommel's debut and confirms megatransfer in Belgium

With the win, Belgium sits in first place in its Nations League group, while Italy remains behind, with Belgium's next match against France scheduled for Monday.