Van Bommel tests Belgium in crucial Nations League duel without final pressure

Belgium; Belgium host Italy on Sunday evening at the King Baudouin Stadium, a direct duel for a place in the Nations League quarter‑finals, with head coach Mark van Bommel demanding a full victory and seeing it as a crucial test for the Red Devils.

Italy's form and group position

Earlier in the Nations League campaign Belgium won 0‑2 away at Italy. Van Bommel said: “They are more stable. In a short period they have improved. You don’t just beat France.” Italy began the new Nations League cycle with a defeat, but has remained unbeaten in four consecutive matches since. The team has beaten Turkey twice and first drawn and then beaten France.

As a result Italy sit top of group A1 with as many points as France. Belgium are in third place, one point behind the leaders. The direct duel decides which of the two countries progresses to the quarter‑finals.

Van Bommel's vision and injury problem

Van Bommel emphasized at the press conference: “But this is not a final. In a final you can win something. Now it is about progressing or not. I see it more as a knockout match and that is also a good test, because you encounter something like that at the European Championship as well.” He added: “Italy do have the advantage. They are fine with a draw. Although that can also cause some doubt. We always want to win, no matter where we play.” Romelu Lukaku, who missed the match against Turkey, is now fully fit and ready for the confrontation, as is Kevin De Bruyne. The attacking midfielder, linked with PSV, came down with flu in Turkey.

Belgium top seed for Euro 2028 draw

On Saturday Belgium trained at the Proximus Basecamp in Tubeke and it turned out that Leandro Trossard and goalkeeper Mike Penders are unavailable for the Italy match. Trossard suffers from bone‑marrow edema in his heel, which means he is not fit enough to play. Penders is dealing with a quadriceps injury, so he cannot serve as an alternative between the posts.

Thibaut Courtois voiced his ambition for Euro 2028 with the words “Agreed”. Despite the absences Van Bommel continues to stress that the Red Devils need a win to close their international window and secure a ticket to the quarter‑finals.

Van Bommel stresses Lukaku's key role against Italy

The contrast between Italy's stable form and Belgium's injury problems makes the duel a real test for Van Bommel's side.