Belgium will field six Serie A players for their Nations League campaign, which begins with a trip to Italy on September 25. New manager Mark van Bommel has named his squad to face Italy, France, and Turkey in Group A of the competition.
Mark van Bommel said: "New coach Mark van Bommel has named his Belgium squad for the Nations League, including against Italy, with six Serie A players." The former AC Milan midfielder, who took over the national team this summer, is leaning on Italian league experience. The six players called up are Koni De Winter (Milan), Arthur Theate (Bologna), Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli), Mandela Keita (Parma), Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta) and Diego Moreira (Milan).
This heavy representation shows Serie A's role in developing Belgian talent, even beyond its current borders. Romelu Lukaku and Lois Openda, who recently left the Italian league, are also in the attacking contingent. The full 23-man squad includes goalkeepers like Maarten Vandervoordt (RB Leipzig) and experienced midfielders like Youri Tielemans (Manchester United).
Context and aims
This international break comes as Belgium sits top of their World Cup qualifying group with five points from three games. Their last result was a 2-1 defeat to Spain on July 10. The team must now focus on the Nations League, where the schedule is packed: after Italy away, the Red Devils will host France on September 28.
The squad, blending experience and youth, aims to start this demanding group phase strongly. The presence of Kevin De Bruyne, still influential at Napoli, will be a major asset for these fixtures. The manager must also manage a deep roster, with prospects like Malick Fofana (Sunderland) and Mika Godts (PSG) in attack. The challenge begins at San Siro, where Belgium will look to get an early jump in the race for the Nations League finals. The following match is against France in Brussels.
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