Van Bommel expects Italy to rise to Belgium’s Nations League challenge

Belgium manager Mark van Bommel says Italy’s 3-1 victory over France on Thursday did not surprise him, suggesting the French side may have underestimated Roberto Mancini’s team.

The former Milan player was speaking at his pre-match news conference ahead of Belgium’s Nations League meeting with Italy at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on Sunday.

Belgium must win to secure a place in the quarter-finals. They are third in Group A on nine points, one behind both Italy and France.

Italy, meanwhile, need only a draw to reach the last eight, while victory would guarantee them top spot in the group.

“It is an important match that will decide whether we continue our journey or not,” Van Bommel said, as reported by Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport. “It is a test similar to competing in other tournaments, and an exciting match that we play under pressure. We always prepare in the same way, whether the match is a final or not.”

He added: “Only victory matters to us tomorrow, but it is not a final that gives you a trophy at the end.”

Italy arrive in confident mood after beating France 3-1 at San Siro on Thursday, with Pio Esposito scoring twice.

The result was France’s first defeat since Zinedine Zidane became manager, having replaced Didier Deschamps after Deschamps led France to fourth place at the last World Cup.

Van Bommel said Italy’s performance had been consistent with their quality, while also claiming Turkey deserved more from their meeting with France.

“Italy’s display did not surprise me, and Turkey also deserved a better result against France,” he said. “Italy are a very strong team. Perhaps the French did not give them enough credit or treated them with some complacency, but the result did not surprise me.”

Belgium revived their qualification hopes on Thursday by coming from behind to beat Turkey 2-1 away from home. Kevin De Bruyne and Charles De Ketelaere scored the goals that secured the comeback.

Van Bommel also confirmed that Romelu Lukaku would have a part to play against Italy, although he did not say whether the striker would start or come on as a substitute.

“He is always an important player, whether he starts the match or comes on as a substitute,” said Van Bommel. “He has a great deal of experience, and it is good to have a player like him in a match being played in front of a full stadium.”

Belgium defeated Italy 2-0 in the reverse fixture at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on 25 September. Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio scored in that victory.