Mark van Bommel’s tenure as manager of the Belgium national football team opened with a 2-0 victory against Italy in Rome, prompting widespread media praise in Flanders alongside cautious commentary in the francophone press. The performance drew sharp contrasts with neighboring Netherlands.
Flemish Media Hail “Perfect” First Half Under Van Bommel
Media outlets in northern Belgium offered glowing assessments of the team’s display during Friday’s fixture. Broadcaster HLN described the opening 45 minutes under the newly appointed manager as “a pur plaisir à regarder” (a pure pleasure to watch), adding that the performance “promises many good things” for the future. Het Nieuwsblad echoed that sentiment, characterizing the first half as flawless and asserting that the Red Devils “literally crushed the Italians.” The Dutch-language daily also reported that the tactical dynamism displayed by the Belgian squad drew a reaction of envy across the border in the Netherlands, where observers allegedly contrasted the display unfavorably with the current play of the Oranje.
Francophone Press Urges Caution Despite Strong Start
In contrast to the celebratory tone in Flanders, francophone publications in Belgium emphasized caution regarding the long-term outlook under Van Bommel. La DH/Les Sports + pointed out that managerial honeymoons with the national team have historically yielded mixed trajectories, noting that Domenico Tedesco previously secured a 0-3 victory in Sweden before his tenure encountered difficulties, while Rudi Garcia experienced a 3-1 setback in Ukraine prior to steering the team through a successful World Cup campaign. Similarly, Sudinfo reported from the 800-strong travelling Belgian fan enclosure in Rome that while the 2-0 victory delivered immediate joy, the Squadra Azzurra remains in a difficult transition phase following their absence from three consecutive World Cups.
Mika Godts Shines in Breakthrough Performance
Among individual performances, 21-year-old forward Mika Godts commanded significant attention from journalists and analysts following his second career start for the senior national team. Godts marked his third cap with his first international goal, displaying pace, defensive tracking, and an evolving partnership with playmaker Kevin De Bruyne. HLN lauded the young forward with the headline “Mamma mia, Mika,” while Het Nieuwsblad suggested Godts had earned the right to wear the number 10 shirt usually occupied by the injured Leandro Trossard. Former Red Devil and RTBF consultant Philippe Albert told Sudinfo that Godts “showed he was a future great,” leading HLN to question how the player was omitted from previous tournament squads.
Italian Press Reacts to Defeat and Squadra Azzurra Struggles
Italian sports media expressed sharp disappointment following the result, pointing to systemic issues within the national setup. Tuttosport noted that Belgium capitalized on the talents of its emerging players, running out 2-0 winners at the Stadio Olimpico. La Gazzetta dello Sport described the performance as a setback for Roberto Mancini’s side, arguing that the tactical plan was dismantled by the visitors and that only crucial saves from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma prevented a heavier defeat as the match concluded under stadium jeers. Corriere dello Sport offered a similarly critical evaluation of the team’s inability to match the intensity of the Belgian side.
Standout Contributors and Next Steps
Beyond Godts, several other Belgian players earned praise for their contributions in Rome. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens registered two key saves to preserve the clean sheet, Kevin De Bruyne delivered what outlets identified as his strongest international performance in two years, and Charles De Ketelaere reinforced his position as a primary attacking option. Van Bommel praised the collective effort after the match, declining to single out individual highlights while acknowledging the strong contributions of De Bruyne and goalscorers including Dodi Lukebakio.
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