Belgian Tielemans: challenge against Italy under Van Bommel
Belgium's captain, Youri Tielemans, presented the challenge against Italy ahead of the first Nations League fixture in Rome, highlighting the guidance of new head coach Mark Van Bommel and the difficulties encountered in previous matches against the Azzurri.
Van Bommel's Guidance
Van Bommel reminded that the Belgian team can aim to qualify for the World Cup, stating: “In these competitions every detail matters, against Spain every detail must be taken care of in the best possible way. We didn’t make it, perhaps with a little more luck we could have achieved something more. Now the idea is to do better than in the past. There are several players who have changed clubs this summer, but the national squad is very similar to the World Cup one and I think it is very strong. We are a united group and we must show our identity also looking to the future.”
Tielemans then explained the first instructions received from the new head coach: “He is a very direct and very clear manager, he makes us understand immediately what he wants. He asks for intensity and work without the ball, he wants to have dominance of the game and we will try to achieve it already from tomorrow.”
Difficulties against the Azzurri
The captain analysed the difficulties encountered against Italy in recent previous matches, recalling the games of 2024 and 2021: “At that time however we were not competitive enough. Against Italy we did not perform well. In the Euros we struggled a lot, they were very organized but we did not do well enough.”
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He also referred to his experience at Manchester United, observing: “The results are not good enough. The Champions League win was important, but we have already lost too many points in the league. It is complicated but it will get better, I am sure. Now the focus is on the national team.”
Belgium arrives at the meeting at the Olimpico in Rome with a new technical leadership, the Red Devils led by Mark Van Bommel, ready to build a more intense team with greater personality. Tielemans will be one of the reference points of the new project, while Italy under Roberto Mancini will try to confirm its own style.
Mark van Bommel opens the doors to a historic era in Rome
The match will be played in Rome, the anticipation is high and the two sides are preparing to demonstrate their identity looking to the future.