PORTO, PORTUGAL – NOVEMBER 7: Real Antwerp head coach Mark van Bommel looks ahead to the UEFA Champions League match between Porto and Royal Antwerp at Estadio Dragone on November 7, 2023 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
Belgium coach Mark van Bommel has explained why he decided to use Atalanta’s Charles de Cotrare as a false nine against Italy. “He’s a complete player.”
The match will kick off at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST) at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
You can follow all the preparations and action happening during the game on the live blog .
The teams are in Nations League Group A along with France and Vincenzo Montella’s Turkey.
Roberto Mancini returns to the national team, having controversially left the Saudi Arabian national team in 2023, but was the last man to win silverware at Euro 2021.
This is also Van Bommel’s first appearance on the bench and his first coaching job since leaving in 2024.
Van Bommel’s thoughts on Belgium
“I’m excited about this game, but then we stay calm on the pitch and we know what we need to do,” Van Bommel told RAI Sport and Sky Sport Italia.
Former Napoli striker Romelu Lukaku was initially left on the bench, so Dirk Traore was confirmed as the false nine forward.
“Lukaku is an excellent player, but he needs to find his form. At this moment, Dirk Trare is the best choice. Dirk Trare performed well in the World Cup. He is very smart, can protect the ball, turn and attack space, pass and position well. He is a comprehensive player.”
“Every player has his own characteristics, like Lukaku and Lois Oponda, but we need everyone.”
There are more Serie A players in the starting line-up, including Napoli midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, and Milan summer signing Diego Moreira in a trident attack in a 4-3-3 formation.
Since the 2-1 European Cup play-off match in May 1972, Italy has remained undefeated against Belgium in official competitions, achieving 5 wins and 2 draws.
The most recent was the Nations League match in Brussels in November 2024, when Luciano Spalletti was on the bench and the sides were 1-0.