Mark van Bommel was ‘100 per cent happy’ with his Belgium debut, the first time they beat Italy in a competitive match since 1972 to go top of the Nations League group.

The focus was all on this being the return to the Nazionale of Roberto Mancini, but it also represented the debut on the Belgium bench of Van Bommel.

The Dutchman had not worked in management for two years, but dived in with a 2-0 victory at the Stadio Olimpico , thanks to goals from Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio.

“I am 100 per cent happy and satisfied, although of course one can always improve too,” said Van Bommel in his press conference.

“We started work on Monday with the right hunger and intensity that we also saw on the field today. We worked on this 4-3-3 system for three days, it wasn’t a top performance, but we controlled the first half very well.

“Italy pressed us better after the break and Senne Lammens made an incredible save. With the changes, we regained control of the match and Lukebakio’s wonderful goal sealed it, just like he did at San Siro against Milan.”

Italy had been unbeaten against Belgium in competitive fixtures since a 2-1 European Championship play-off in May 1972, securing five victories and two draws.

Godts was not even fully fit after a chaotic summer that saw him eventually make the transfer to Paris Saint-Germain.