Van Bommel prepared for 'tough' Italy test
Belgium head coach Mark van Bommel was not surprised by Italy's win over France last time out as he prepares for a test in his side's final UEFA Nations League game.
Three of the four teams in Group A1 still have a chance of reaching the quarter-finals, after Belgium kept its hopes alive with a 2-1 comeback win over bottom-placed Turkiye last time out.
It sits third oin the table with nine points, just one behind joint group leaders Italy and France, with Les Bleus second owing to its head-to-head record with the Azzurri after its 3-1 defeat on Friday (AEDT).
It means that Belgium must win to reach the last eight of the competition, while a victory, coupled with France dropping points against Turkiye, would see it finish top of the group.
Van Bommel was hesitant to liken the match to a final before the knockout stages, but he is well aware of what is on the line for Belgium.
"It's an important game that would allow us to continue or not," he said.
"It's a test comparable to other cups, an interesting game to play under pressure. We always prepare the same way, whether it's a final or not.
"Only victory counts, but it's not a final that lets you win a cup.
"Italy didn't surprise me, and Turkiye also deserved more against France. Italy are a very good team. Maybe France took them lightly, but it doesn't surprise me."
Kevin De Bruyne and Charles De Ketelaere were the goalscorers against Turkiye, with the former being Belgium's top scorer in the UEFA Nations League with three goals.
Romelu Lukaku currently has just one goal to his name in the 2026-2027 campaign for Belgium in three appearances and he did not feature in the previous match.
However, Van Bommel confirmed he will be involved against Italy, but refused to confirm whether that would be from the start or off the bench.
"He's always important, whether he starts or comes on as a substitute," Van Bommel said of Lukaku.
"He's a player with a lot of experience, and it's a good thing to have him in a full stadium."
