Belgium celebrates Van Bommel's debut while Netherlands watches jealously

The Red Devils started their first match under Mark van Bommel with a convincing 0‑2 victory over Italy in Rome, a result that sent the Belgian press into ecstasy. While the media spread praising fever, they even claim that the Dutch side is jealous.

Belgian press euphoric about Van Bommel

praised the start, but warns against hasty conclusions. ‘Drawing big conclusions after barely one match is always dangerous,’ the broadcaster said, while emphasizing the ‘promising era of Mark van Bommel with the Red Devils’ in Rome. According to them, the national coach already gained recognition during his ‘baptism by fire’, with Italy spending 45 minutes in his ‘Inferno’.

adds that people in the Netherlands watch ‘a little jealous and water‑teeth’ . The newspaper states that there was more life in the Belgian team than in the Oranje, and praises the decision to bring on Romelu Lukaku in the closing stages. They predict that this success must be confirmed against the top nation France.

La Dernière Heure describes the debut as ‘great’, with the Red Devils earning a deserved victory over a ‘weak Italy’ (0‑2). In the first half the Belgians delivered an almost flawless performance with countless chances and one goal. The only downside was that they had not yet thrown the match into the final stage.

The Red Devils assert themselves in Italy, a brilliant start for van Bommel

Dutch reactions and coach’s own view

Van Bommel himself spoke with and expressed his satisfaction with the first win. He praised the intensity and the willingness of the squad, despite ‘quite a few things went wrong’ after only three training days. According to him this is ‘a beautiful start’, regardless of the score or the opponent.

Regarding the less successful second half the coach admitted that many players had recently made a transfer and therefore do not always play 90 minutes at their club. ‘Some even play very little,’ he explained, and emphasized that he now has to build a team from these players. He concluded that the boys gave everything, they ‘run and fly’.

Bommel opens the Belgian era with a dazzling victory in Italy

For Belgium this means an early boost of confidence; the contrast between the exuberant Belgian press and the jealous Dutch observations underscores how Van Bommel’s success immediately attracted national attention. The upcoming clash with France will turn the initial words of praise into a lasting chapter.