Van Bommel: ‘Belgium would score six without Donnarumma, my advice to De Bruyne’

Van Bommel: ‘Belgium would score six without Donnarumma, my advice to De Bruyne’ Mark van Bommel insists Belgium ‘would’ve scored six if not for Gianluigi Donnarumma’ in goal for Italy, and clarifies he never advised Kevin De Bruyne to quit Napoli for PSV Eindhoven. This was an incredibly tight Nations League group, and going into the final match the Azzurri were on top with 10 points, ahead of France on goal difference and head-to-head record, with Belgium following on nine. By the end of the night, Italy had dropped to third place following a 4-1 defeat in Brussels , despite taking the early lead through Pio Esposito. The hosts had turned it around within 15 minutes to lead 3-1 with Maxim De Cuyper, Nathan Ngoy and Jeremy Doku, then Diego Moreira added a fourth on the classic counter-attack, while Senne Lammens saved Pio Esposito’s late penalty. Van Bommel relishing Belgium win BRUSSELS – NOVEMBER 15: Kevin De Bruyne of Belgium runs with the ball under pressure from Nicolo Fagioli of Italy during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Belgium and Italy at King Baudouin Stadium on November 15, 2026 in Brussels. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) “If Donnarumma had not been in goal, then we would’ve scored six,” insisted Van Bommel to Sky Sport Italia. It was a dominant performance, far more than the 2-0 victory at the Stadio Olimpico in the opening round of this Nations League group. BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – NOVEMBER 15: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy acknowledges the fans after the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Belgium and Italy at King Baudouin Stadium on November 15, 2026 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) Curiously, Italy lost both matches with Belgium, while the Red Devils lost both meetings with France, yet the only team Les Bleus were unable to beat was the Azzurri. “I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect this when we started two months ago, but even before that first match with Italy, I could tell this was a really intelligent group of players. That makes it a pleasure for a coach to work with them.” BRUSSELS – NOVEMBER 15: Kevin De Bruyne of Belgium passes the ball under pressure from Alessandro Bastoni of Italy during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Belgium and Italy at King Baudouin Stadium on November 15, 2026 in Brussels. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) De Bruyne’s performance this evening made him look a completely different player to the one seen regularly in Serie A and the Champions League at Napoli. Considering the rumours that he is looking for a January transfer to PSV Eindhoven, has the Belgium coach given him any advice on the next step in his career? “I was asked a question by a Belgian reporter about whether De Bruyne would fit in with the PSV Eindhoven style of play, and seeing as I know the club well, I said yes he would, but he also fits in at Napoli,” insisted Van Bommel. “So I answered a specific question, but I did not advise him to do anything. The decision is entirely his, and I leave that to him.” Former Napoli striker Romelu Lukaku remained on the bench throughout and was never deployed. “He was injured for a few days and didn’t even make the trip to Turkiye, so tonight we said that we would use him in case of emergency. It was a bit cold as well, so we decided together not to bring him on.”