De Ketelaere guides the Red Devils, Van Bommel tames the Italians
On a Friday evening in Rome, Belgium beat Italy 0-2 thanks to a controlled first half. Mark Van Bommel started Charles De Ketelaere up front, while the Red Devils imposed a high press. The Italians struggled to develop their play.
Controlled first half
Mark Van Bommel chose to start the Atalanta player, Charles De Ketelaere, as a false nine from kickoff. This decision allowed the Red Devils to dominate the first half of the match, regularly winning the ball in the Italian half. The intensity of the high press limited the attempts of the Italians.
De Ketelaere's role and the decisive goals
The two Belgian goals came from Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio. Godts opened the scoring, then Lukebakio, who came on during the match, scored the second goal in the 69th minute as Italy pushed for an equaliser. The 0-2 victory was sealed in Rome.
After the match, Charles De Ketelaere commented on his team's performance, highlighting the control of the first half. “We played a great match especially in the first half, in every aspect. I think we ran at high intensity without the ball, we pressed high, and the Italians had difficulties,” he said.
The Red Devils assert themselves in Italy, a brilliant start for van Bommel
The Belgian also emphasized the quality of play with the ball. “So it was a great match, with the ball we had many qualities in transitions, but also from deep,” he added. Mika Godts' speed on the left flank generated several dangerous chances.
The second‑half restart was more challenging. Italy increased the pressure, forcing Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens to intervene several times to preserve the lead. The Devils saw their movements become more difficult against the Italian build‑up.
The players of Mark Van Bommel struggled more to win the ball back and to exit their half cleanly. De Ketelaere considered this dip in intensity understandable after the effort expended during the first 45 minutes. He acknowledged that the intensity had naturally faded.
Bommel opens the Belgian era with a dazzling victory in Italy
“It’s normal that we lose intensity in the second half, but the goal of Dodi gave us energy,” he concluded. The second goal of Dodi Lukebakio revived the Devils, who maintained their lead until the end of the match.