Van Bommel: "We'll Play Italy to Win, Aiming to Dominate"
Belgium coach Mark Van Bommel views the upcoming Nations League match against Italy as a significant opportunity. "This is a big challenge for us," Van Bommel stated at a press conference. "We want to play important games, like this one against Italy. For us, this commitment is a double challenge: we want to dominate the game and win. If we manage to do that tomorrow, we're on the right track."
He acknowledged that immediate victory is crucial, noting that Italy faces a similar situation. "Italy has the same problem. Mancini is also starting from scratch, just like me, and the Azzurri will want to perform well after three missed qualifications."
Van Bommel expressed enthusiasm about returning to the Stadio Olimpico, a venue where he previously won a league title. "It will be nice to return to the Olimpico," he said. "We've prepared well for the match against Italy, which won't be easy but will surely be a good one." He added, "It's not simple to prepare a match in just 3 or 4 days, but I hope to have a good game and return home with the 3 points."
When asked about Charles De Ketelaere, who was prominent at AC Milan, Van Bommel described him as "a nice, versatile lad. He's everything a coach desires. It's only a matter of time before he plays regularly for Milan."
Belgium captain Youri Tielemans also conveyed confidence in the team's abilities. "We have a good squad," Tielemans commented. "There are few changes compared to the World Cup. We are strong and united. We need to show our character, our desire to never give up, and to move forward. Our coach has been very clear, very direct."
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