Belgium’s UEFA Nations League Squad Under Van Bommel: A Serie A Influence

Mark van Bommel has wasted no time putting his stamp on Belgium. The new head coach has named his first squad for the UEFA Nations League – and it carries a distinctly Serie A flavour ahead of a high-wire campaign in a group with Italy, France and Turkiye.

Van Bommel’s Italian return

Belgium’s new era begins in a familiar setting for Van Bommel. The former Milan midfielder, who wore the Rossoneri shirt in the 2011-12 season, will make his competitive debut on the touchline in Italy on September 25. It is the opening act in a brutal Group A schedule that offers almost no margin for error.

From there, Belgium host France on September 28, face Turkiye on October 2, then travel to France on October 5. The group closes with two potentially decisive fixtures: away to Turkiye on November 12 and at home to Italy on November 15. Every game feels like a test of character as much as quality.

Strong Serie A core

Van Bommel has leaned into his Serie A connections. Six players from Italy’s top flight are included, a clear nod to the league he once patrolled as a player.

Milan defender Koni De Winter gets the call, joined by Bologna’s new signing Arthur Theate. In midfield, Napoli’s marquee name Kevin De Bruyne provides star power and leadership, while Parma’s Mandela Keita adds youthful energy. Up front, Atalanta’s Charles De Ketelaere is rewarded for his resurgence, and Milan winger Diego Moreira offers directness and flair out wide.

There is continuity too. Romelu Lukaku and Lois Openda may have left Serie A in recent weeks, but they remain central to Belgium’s attacking plans, now bringing experience from new environments.

The 26-man squad

Van Bommel’s first list blends established names with players still carving out their reputation at club level.

• Goalkeepers
  Jari De Busser (AZ Alkmaar), Senne Lammens (Manchester United), Mike Penders (Chelsea), Maarten Vandervoordt (RB Leipzig)
• Defenders
  Timothy Castagne (Fulham), Maxime De Cuyper (Brighton), Zeno Debast (Sporting), Koni De Winter (Milan), Brandon Mechele (Club Brugge), Nathan Ngoy (LOSC), Kyriani Sabbe (Club Brugge), Joaquin Seys (Club Brugge), Arthur Theate (Bologna)
• Midfielders
  Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli), Mandela Keita (Parma), Romeo Lavia (Chelsea), Nicolas Raskin (Rangers), Youri Tielemans (Manchester United), Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge)
• Forwards
  Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta), Malick Fofana (Sunderland), Matias Fernandez-Pardo (Newcastle United), Mika Godts (PSG), Romelu Lukaku (Fenerbahce), Dodi Lukebakio (Benfica), Diego Moreira (Milan), Lois Openda (Lyon), Leandro Trossard (Bestikas)

A new coach, a brutal group, and a spine running through Serie A: Belgium’s reset under Van Bommel will be judged quickly. The first verdict arrives in Italy.