Van Bommel Banks on Serie A: Six Italy-Based Belgians Called Up for Nations League Clash with the Azzurri

Mark van Bommel has wasted no time making his mark on the Belgian national team. As reported by Football Italia, the newly appointed Red Devils coach has named a 23-man squad for the upcoming Nations League fixture against Italy featuring six players currently plying their trade in Serie A — a clear statement of intent as Belgium begins rebuilding toward the 2026 World Cup. The Italian-based contingent is understood to be headlined by the Napoli duo of Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, whose moves to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona have made Belgium's spine more Serie A-flavored than ever. Atalanta's creative force Charles De Ketelaere and Milan's industrious Alexis Saelemaekers are also believed to feature prominently in Van Bommel's plans, giving the squad an intimate knowledge of Italian football ahead of a fixture that pits Belgium against the very league many of its stars now call home. For Van Bommel, the Nations League represents more than just silverware — it is a vital testing ground. With the World Cup expanding to 48 teams across the United States, Mexico and Canada in 2026, the Dutchman knows every international window matters as he shapes a side transitioning beyond its celebrated golden generation. There is an intriguing subplot, too: several of Belgium's Serie A stars could line up against teammates and familiar faces when the Red Devils face the Azzurri, adding a club-versus-country flavor to an already heavyweight encounter. Players who battle in Italy's top flight week in, week out arrive armed with insider knowledge of Italian tactics, temperament and technique — an advantage Van Bommel will hope to exploit. The call-ups also reflect Serie A's growing status as a destination for elite Belgian talent. Once viewed primarily as a league for career veterans, Italy's top division now houses some of Belgium's most influential performers, and their presence in the national setup underscores that shift. Belgium's supporters will be watching closely to see how Van Bommel blends experience with emerging talent in his first squads. The Nations League duel with Italy offers an early benchmark against one of Europe's traditional powers — and a dress rehearsal of sorts for the pressures awaiting in North America in two years' time. With six Serie A names in the fold, the message from the new Belgium boss is clear: form in Italy will be rewarded, and the road to the 2026 World Cup runs straight through Serie A. This article is based on reporting by Football Italia.