Van Bommel aims to dominate the Nations League against Italy
The opening match of the Nations League between Italy and Belgium will be the test bench for the two new coaches, Mark Van Bommel and Roberto Mancini, who aim to dominate play and claim the first three points, marking the start of a new era.
New course for Belgium
Mark Van Bommel is the new head coach of Belgium. For Van Bommel, the challenge against Italy is “a big challenge for us”. He won a Serie A title with Milan, so he knows Italy well. He said he wants to “dominate the game and win” and that if they manage to do it tomorrow they will be “on the right track”.
Italy starts from scratch after Garcia
Italy has changed coach, saying goodbye to Rudi Garcia after the World Cup exit at the hands of Spain in the quarter‑finals. Roberto Mancini is the new head coach, and starts from zero like Van Bommel. Mancini recalls the three failed qualifications and wants to “do well”. He acknowledged that the team has “two days” of preparation for the match.
A Belgian squad with six Italians
In Belgium’s squad there are six players who play in Serie A: De Winter, Theate, De Bruyne, Keita, De Ketelaere and Moreira. Former Castagne, Openda and Lukaku are also present, the latter “needs a bit of time”. Van Bommel expects Lukaku will not start, leaving the attack to De Ketelaere. The presence of these “Italians” makes the contest particularly interesting.
Mancini backs Romano and Calafiori for the match against Belgium
Captain Youri Tielemans described the team as “a good team” and stated that “there are few changes compared to the World Cup”. He added that their coach is “very clear, very direct” and that the players must show “character and a desire to never give up”. The group is also “strong and united”, according to the captain.
Mancini said that the feelings at the Stadio Olimpico are “always positive” and that the team must “bring home the three points”. He acknowledged that “it will not be easy” because they have had “two days” of preparation. He emphasized that the team must “play well from the start” to achieve a result.
The coach talked about the youngsters, mentioning Cambiaghi, Kean and Zaniolo, who “can play anywhere”. He recalled that “a month” was devoted to assessing the boys, but training is different. He also mentioned Romano as a possible future asset, calling him “very useful”. Tresoldi said he feels 50% Italian and 50% German, hoping to become 51% Italian by June.
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The result of the match will define the direction of the two projects, with Belgium seeking its first win and Italy aiming to regain the fans’ trust. Both teams will return home aware that they have laid the foundations for the Nations League.