Mancini's criticism and De Ketelaere's praise after Italy‑Belgium 0‑2
After the 0‑2 defeat of Italy by Belgium in Rome, national team coach Roberto Mancini responded sharply to his side's play, while Belgium's De Ketelaere praised the victory and highlighted his own role as a false nine and spoke about the high pressure his team had applied.
The Jupiler Pro League is already in full swing; last weekend matchday 7 took place, allowing the clubs to rest briefly or prepare for the continuation. This gives the teams the chance to use the international break for recovery and tactical adjustments.
Mancini's criticism of the first half
Florent Malice from Rome reported that national team coach Roberto Mancini was particularly sharp after the 0‑2 defeat of Italy by Belgium. He said his players gave too much space to the Red Devils in the first half and were not under enough pressure. “We were playing against a very good team. We gave away too much space, especially in the first half. That was not enough. We should have been more aggressive and put much more pressure on Belgium,” Mancini explained.
In the second half Mancini saw an improvement, but he continued to point out shortcomings. He praised the fewer chances given away, but emphasized that Belgium still won the most second balls. “I saw improvement after the break. We gave away fewer chances. Not everything was bad, and we need to take that forward. Belgium still won the most second balls. We were too hasty on the ball,” said the national coach.
Mancini ruled out, Belgium bank on Van Bommel against Italy
De Ketelaere on the victory and his role
Mark van Bommel positioned Charles De Ketelaere as a false nine, a decision that, according to the young Atalanta player, paid off. De Ketelaere spoke positively about the first half: “We played a strong match, especially in the first half, in all aspects.” He praised the high intensity off the ball and the pressure that made Italy struggle. “We moved with a high intensity off the ball and applied high pressure. Italy found it difficult there,” he added.
The Red Devils took the initiative from the kickoff, applied a high press and moved a lot off the ball. Mika Godts provided a fine assist for the first goal, after which Dodi Lukebakio made the final score 0‑2. Van Bommel’s side regularly won second balls and showed quality both in transitions and in building up from the back, according to De Ketelaere.
Mika Godts shines, the Red Devils dominate Italy in the first half
In the same international break France won 0‑1 in Turkey, thanks to a goal from Kylian Mbappé, who later left the field with an injury and will likely miss the upcoming matches. Belgium now tops the Nations League group and harbors dreams of the quarter‑finals. Northern Ireland won with a late goal from Georgi, while Ukraine and Sweden also triumphed. Poland and Bosnia and Herzegovina ended in a 0‑0 draw. Irish midfielder Jason Knight expressed controversy over the planned match against Israel: “I don’t think this match should go ahead.” The Irish broadcaster RTE, contractually obliged to broadcast the match, has announced it will provide no advertising, coverage or commentator.