Belgium begin Van Bommel era by beating Italy

Belgium have taken early control of Nations League Group 1 after Mark van Bommel opened his tenure as national coach with a 2-0 victory over Italy. The result puts the Diables Rouges first in the section, ahead of France, whom they will face on Monday in their next fixture. Italy, meanwhile, must recover quickly before travelling to Turkey.

Belgium created the clearer chances in the first half and went ahead in the 20th minute. Mika Godts received the ball from Kevin De Bruyne on the left, moved past two Italian defenders and finished with his right foot for his first international goal. Earlier, Charles De Ketelaere had been denied by Gianluigi Donnarumma, while Francesco Pio Esposito struck the post. Moise Kean also tested Belgium before the interval, but Italy went into the break behind and faced jeers from the stands.

Italy returned with greater purpose after half-time. Kean came close again in the 47th minute after a cross from the left, but Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens made the save. Lammens started with Thibaut Courtois absent from the Belgian goal and produced a strong performance as Italy searched for an equaliser.

The visitors instead extended their lead in the 69th minute. Dodi Lukebakio carried the ball forward on a solo run before beating Donnarumma with a left-footed shot. The second goal secured a convincing opening win for Van Bommel and left Mancini with the task of rebuilding Italy’s response ahead of the trip to Turkey.