Mark van Bommel Names First Belgium Squad with Serie A Influence

Mark van Bommel has named his first Belgium squad – and it has a distinctly Serie A flavour as the Red Devils prepare for a brutal Nations League group featuring Italy, France and Turkiye.

The former Milan midfielder, who took over from Rudi Garcia in the summer, begins his reign in the country where he once patrolled midfield. Belgium open away to Italy on September 25, then welcome France three days later in a start that offers no easing-in period for the new coach.

From there, the schedule barely lets up. Turkiye visit on October 2, before Belgium travel to France on October 5. The group then closes with a trip to Turkiye on November 12 and a home clash against Italy on November 15. Every date looks like a test of character as much as quality.

Serie A thread runs through Van Bommel’s first list

Van Bommel has leaned heavily on players with Italian experience – and those currently in the league he knows well.

Milan defender Koni De Winter earns a place, joined by Bologna’s new signing Arthur Theate. In midfield, Napoli’s marquee arrival Kevin De Bruyne is the standout name, while Parma’s Mandela Keita also gets the call. Atalanta forward Charles De Ketelaere is included after rebuilding his confidence in Bergamo, and Milan winger Diego Moreira adds another Serie A attacking option.

There is continuity too. Romelu Lukaku and Lois Openda may have left Italy in recent weeks, but they remain central figures in the attack and carry the weight of expectation in front of goal.

Full Belgium squad for the Nations League

• 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 reshaped core, and a Nations League group loaded with heavyweights: Van Bommel’s Belgium won’t have to wait long to discover exactly where they stand.