Mancini ruled out, Belgium bank on Van Bommel against Italy

Roberto Mancini, tipped this summer to succeed Rudi Garcia as head of the Red Devils, was ultimately passed over in favour of Mark van Bommel, who will take the reins of Belgium for the first clash against Italy, where Mancini will manage the Italians.

Different priorities for the Squadra

The Italian Squadra did not view Mancini's candidacy as a priority option, as a source recalled a few months ago. It favoured other solutions, while noting that the main interested party would have liked to coach the Red Devils. This direction steered the Belgian selection process.

Mark van Bommel, former Italian midfielder, was chosen by technical director Vincent Mannaert to take the reins of Belgium. Van Bommel had already been in contact with officials well before Rudi Garcia's departure. Mancini, for his part, discussed with Mannaert but never secured the job.

Ultimately, Mancini took over the helm of Italy, a role that was neither plan A nor even plan B, but rather a plan C. After the failure of the project to bring in Pep Guardiola, the federation turned to Andrea Pirlo, before president Giovanni Malago reversed that decision because of an outcry linked to a Russian sports betting company.

Mark Van Bommel's debut opens door for Belgium after Italy win

A summer of reshuffles on the European scale

The Italy‑Belgium duel takes place in a context of similar manager changes, such as yesterday's match between the Netherlands of Xavi and Germany of Jürgen Klopp. These confrontations pit two nations that have just appointed new coaches, illustrating the World Cup effect, or the Italians' non‑participation, on the benches.

The match will be played at 20:45, broadcast live on .be. It constitutes the first official test for the new managers, who will have to impose their respective philosophies from the kickoff.

Roberto Mancini succeeded Gennaro Gattuso, who had resigned after Italy's elimination against Bosnia in the World Cup qualifying playoff. This transition comes as the Red Devils look to bounce back under Van Bommel's leadership.

Belgium celebrates Van Bommel's debut while Netherlands watches jealously

Supporters will be able to follow the match's progress in real time, while the two teams will look to establish their tactical foundations for the upcoming international engagements.