Mark van Bommel Says Belgium vs Italy Match Is Like a Knockout Match

Belgium head coach Mark van Bommel described his side’s crucial UEFA Nations League encounter against Italy as a match played under pressure, similar to a test in other tournaments.

The Red Devils return to Brussels to face Italy at the Koning Boudewijnstadion on Sunday evening, knowing that victory is essential to secure a top-two finish in League A Group 1.

Belgium currently sit third in the group on nine points after an inconsistent campaign, trailing both Italy and France by a single point, as detailed by Goal.com. At the same time, Roberto Mancini’s resurgent Azzurri only require a draw to secure their quarter-final berth, whereas a victory would guarantee them first place in the group.

High stakes in Brussels

The fixture carries massive tournament implications as the group stage reaches its dramatic conclusion. Belgium bounced back from a heavy 4-1 defeat against France — where they conceded four times inside the final 15 minutes — by securing a vital 2-1 win over Turkey away from home on Thursday night, thanks to goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Charles De Ketelaere.

Preparations have been slightly disrupted for the hosts, with Van Bommel managing without injured pair Leandro Trossard and Mike Penders. Without Real Madrid star Thibaut Courtois, who is taking a break from Belgium duty this season, Lammens, Penders, Maarten Vandevoordt, and Jari De Busser have all competed for selection in goal, as reported by Sports Mole.

Youri Tielemans will wear the captain’s armband alongside De Bruyne in midfield, and Chelsea’s Romeo Lavia could start after serving a suspension.

Van Bommel demands elite mentality

Leading up to the vital contest, Van Bommel stressed that his players must fully embrace the intense pressure, drawing a direct parallel between the match and elimination-style tournament football.

TURKEY SOCCER BELGIUM RED DEVILS PRESS CONFERENCE — Photo: Goal.com

“Victory is all that matters. It’s not a final, but this is about whether we advance to the next round or not; it’s more like a knockout match.”

We always prepare the same way, whether it’s a final or not. Tomorrow only victory counts, but it’s not a final that lets you win a cup.”

Assessing Italy’s evolution

Van Bommel acknowledged the significant tactical transformation Italy have undergone under Mancini since the reverse fixture on September 25, when Belgium ran out 2-0 winners at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome through Maxim De Cuyper and Dodi Lukebakio.

Mark van Bommel Says Belgium vs Italy Match Is Like a Knockout Match — Photo: Sports Mole

Italy head into the game full of confidence after beating France 3-1 at the San Siro on Thursday evening, where Francesco Pio Esposito scored twice alongside a strike from Davide Frattesi. That result marked France’s first defeat under their setup, but Van Bommel insisted he was not caught off guard.

“Italy didn’t surprise me, and Turkey also deserved more against France. Italy are a very good team. Maybe France took them lightly, but it doesn’t surprise me.”

Goal.com said that the Belgian manager suggested the French national team may have underestimated the abilities of Mancini’s side.

Belgium Coach Mark van Bommel Holds Press Conference Ahead of Italy Match — News Central

On the opposing side, Italy defender Giorgio Scalvini insisted his squad cannot use their short recovery time as an excuse in Brussels. “When one game finishes, you have to recover your energy and prepare as well as you can for the next one. We’ve had only a few days, but that’s no excuse, full stop. Tomorrow we’ll try to give our all,” Scalvini told Yardbarker.

Van Bommel also confirmed that striker Romelu Lukaku will feature against Italy, stating that the experienced forward has a clear role to play whether he starts or comes off the bench in front of a packed stadium.

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