Van Bommel says France may have underestimated Italy ahead of Nations League decider

Mark van Bommel says Italy’s 3-1 victory over France did not surprise him and suggested the French side may have underestimated Roberto Mancini’s team.

Belgium face Italy at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on Sunday, knowing they must win to reach the Nations League quarter-finals. Van Bommel’s side are third in Group A on nine points, one behind both Italy and France.

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

“This is an important match that will determine whether we continue our journey or not,” said Van Bommel, the former Milan player, at his pre-match news conference, as reported by Corriere dello Sport.

“It is a test similar to the competition in other tournaments, and an exciting match that we are playing under pressure. We always prepare in the same way, whether the game is a final or not.

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

Italy travel to Brussels with confidence after beating France 3-1 at San Siro on Thursday. Pio Esposito scored twice in that match, which also brought France manager Zinedine Zidane his first defeat since replacing Didier Deschamps, who left after leading France to fourth place at the last World Cup.

Van Bommel said Italy’s performance was consistent with his expectations.

“I was not surprised by what Italy produced, and Turkey also deserved a better result against France,” he said. “Italy are a very strong team, and 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 recovering from a goal down to beat Turkey 2-1 away from home. Kevin De Bruyne and Charles De Ketelaere scored the goals.

Van Bommel also confirmed 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,” Van Bommel said. “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 won the reverse fixture 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on 25 September. Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio scored in that match.