Van Bommel: ‘Italy didn’t surprise me, maybe France underestimated them’

analysis

PORTO, PORTUGAL-NOVEMBER 07: Mark van Bommel, Head Coach of Royal Antwerp, searches previous to the UEFA Champions League match in between FC Porto and Royal Antwerp FC at Estadio do Dragao on November 07, 2023 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
Belgium coach Mark van Bommel states Italy’s 3-1 win over France didn’t amaze him, and he recommended Les Bleus might have undervalued Roberto Mancini’s side.

With quotes through the Corriere dello Sportthe previous Milan midfielder spoke at his pre-match interview ahead of Sunday’s Nations League face-off with Italy in Brussels, which starts at 20:45 CET [19:45 GMT] at the King Baudouin Stadium.

Belgium should win to reach the quarter-finals. They’re 3rd in Group A1 with 9 points, one behind Italy and France. Italy will go through with a draw, and they’ll top the group if they win.

“It’s a crucial video game that would enable us to continue or not,” Van Bommel stated. “It’s a test similar to other cups, a fascinating video game to play under pressure. We constantly prepare the exact same method, whether it’s a last or not.

“Tomorrow just triumph counts, however it’s not a last that lets you win a cup.”ROME, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 25: Mark van Bommel head coach of Belgium celebrates after winning the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Italy and Belgium at Stadio Olimpico on September 25, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images)ROME, ITALY– SEPTEMBER 25: Mark van Bommel head coach of Belgium commemorates after winning the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group stage match in between Italy and Belgium at Stadio Olimpico on September 25, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images)

analysis Van Bommel on Italy, France and Lukaku

Italy enter into the video game filled with self-confidence after beating France at San Siro on Thursday. Pio Esposito scored two times, and Zinedine Zidane suffered his very first defeat as France coach.

“Italy didn’t amaze me, and Turkey likewise was worthy of more versus France,” Van Bommel continued. “Italy are an excellent group. Perhaps France took them gently, however it does not amaze me.”

Belgium kept their hopes alive with a 2-1 resurgence win in Turkey on Thursday, with Kevin De Bruyne and Charles De Ketelaere scoring.

Van Bommel likewise validated Romelu Lukaku will have a function to play, whether from the start or off the bench.

“He’s constantly essential, whether he begins or begins as an alternative. He’s a gamer with a great deal of experience, and it’s an advantage to have him in a complete arena.”


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