Dream debut for Van Bommel in Belgium: Godts bestows glory in Rome
Mark Van Bommel closed his first match as Belgium's head coach on Friday evening with a convincing win at the Stadio Olimpico. The Red Devils were too strong for Italy with a 0‑2 lead, partly thanks to a beautiful first goal by Mika Godts, his debut for the national team.
Renewed front line under Van Bommel
Van Bommel immediately gave a fresh impulse to the attack. Mika Godts and Diego Moreira got their chances from the flanks alongside Charles De Ketelaere, while Romelu Lukaku started on the bench. For Italy, Alessandro Romano made his debut in midfield and Roberto Mancini chose Moise Kean and Francesco Pio Esposito in attack.
First half: Godts sets the tone
After seven minutes De Ketelaere had a big chance, but Donnarumma saved the opening goal. After twenty minutes Godts received the ball on the left, cut inside and dribbled past Donnarumma with a slalom, then he himself shot the ball into the net for the 0‑1. Belgium remained dangerous, with chances through De Ketelaere, Raskin and again Godts, but the Italian goalkeeper held firm.
Before the break Belgium remained the most threatening team. De Cuyper shot narrowly wide, while Italy missed a chance shortly before the pause: Kean shot wide and Ngoy also missed.
Mark van Bommel pits Raskin and Belgium's youth against Italy
Second half: Lukebakio provides the second
After the break Italy put pressure on the Red Devils. Kean seemed shortly after the restart to score the equaliser, but Senne Lammens saved with an excellent leg save. Later Lammens also denied attempts from Pio Esposito.
Van Bommel responded to the Italian pressure by substituting Kevin De Bruyne and Diego Moreira at the 58th minute for Hans Vanaken and Dodi Lukebakio. In the 69th minute Lukebakio received the ball around the halfway line, dribbled inside and shot from just outside the penalty area, leaving Donnarumma with no chance and sealing the 0‑2.
Dream debut: Van Bommel thanks Godts after historic win over Italy
Conclusion and group position
Italy could not come back after that, so Van Bommel began his tenure as Belgium's head coach with a win on Italian soil. The victory also marks Belgium's first win over Italy in six head‑to‑head meetings and temporarily places the Red Devils at the top of their Nations League group.