Porto, Portugal – Nov 7: Royal Antwerp coach Mark van Bommel watches the Champions League tie against FC Porto at Estádio do Dragão. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
Belgium boss Mark van Bommel says he’s starting Atalanta’s Charles De Ketelaere as a false 9 versus Italy, calling him a complete player.
Kick‑off is set for Rome’s Stadio Olimpico at 19:45 UK time (20:45 CEST).
Catch every moment live on our game‑day blog.
Both nations sit in Nations League Group A together with France and Turkey, coached by Vincenzo Montella.
Roberto Mancini is back at the helm after a controversial stint in Saudi Arabia, having last lifted a trophy at Euro 2021.
It also marks Van Bommel’s debut on the bench and his first managerial role since departing in 2024.
Van Bommel’s ideas for Belgium – in my view, his flexible approach could surprise Italy. Could this tactical shift tip the balance in Belgium’s favor?
“I’m excited for the match, but we’ll stay calm on the pitch and stick to our plan,” Van Bommel told RAI Sport and Sky Sport Italia.
Napoli striker Romelu Lukaku begins on the bench, confirming De Ketelaere as the starting false 9.
“Lukaku is talented, yet he must regain fitness. Right now De Ketelaere is the optimal pick. He shone at the World Cup, shows intelligence, shields the ball, creates space, and excels in passing and positioning. He’s a complete player,” Van Bommel said.
“Each forward brings unique traits—Lukaku, Openda, and others—but we need them all,” he added.
Napoli midfielder Kevin De Bruyne appears in the XI, while Milan’s summer addition Diego Moreira slots into the front three of a 4‑3‑5 attack.
Italy have not lost to Belgium in competitive games since a 2‑1 Euro play‑off in May 1972, recording five wins and two draws.
The latest encounter came in the Nations League, a 1‑0 win in Brussels in Nov 2024, with Luciano Spalletti on the bench.