Van Bommel's debut sparks Dutch jealousy over Nations League win

On Friday evening the Red Devils stood at the Stadio Olimpico against Italy and achieved a convincing 0-2 victory in the Nations League, the debut of Mark van Bommel as Belgium's national team coach. The Belgian press praised the start as ideal, while Dutch analysts looked on with envy.

Belgian press cheers about flying start

All major newspapers in Belgium agreed that Van Bommel had made an “ideal” start. wrote: “You can hardly begin better. Mark van Bommel has started his adventure with a promising victory against Italy.” called the win “masterful” and praised Mika Godts as the new key figure.

La Dernière Heure labelled the debut as “joyful and historic”. The Red Devils displayed an almost flawless performance in the first half, with countless chances and a goal, after which they played the match a bit more passively in the second half.

Van Bommel analyses first training and players

Mark van Bommel (49) praised after the match the “intensity and willingness” of his squad, despite “barely three trainings”. He emphasized that “that is where it all starts”, regardless of the opponent.

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

The coach praised Mika Godts specifically: “He has specific qualities, in an action. I told him at the start of this week that if his first five actions fail he must still make that sixth action again.” Godts rewarded himself with a fantastic goal.

Van Bommel also showed Romelu Lukaku in the second half and praised Kevin De Bruyne: “When he plays like that, it’s a pleasure for everyone.” He noted that some players had recently made a transfer and therefore do not always play 90 minutes for their club.

Dream debut: Van Bommel thanks Godts after historic win over Italy

For the upcoming match against France on Monday Van Bommel indicated that Leandro Trossard and Mike Penders are unavailable. He also spoke about the “passive” second half and tried to correct it with substitutions, including a “fantastic save” by Senje Lammens.