Mark van Bommel pits Raskin and Belgium's youth against Italy

On the evening of the match, Rome’s Stadio Olimpico, which can hold more than 70 000 seats, welcomes a crowd of 700 Belgian supporters who have travelled to back the Red Devils. Kick‑off is scheduled for 20:45, broadcast LIVE, and Mark van Bommel reveals his starting eleven.

Selection of the line‑up

Mark van Bommel preferred Alexandre Raskin over Bryan Lavia, placing the young defender at the heart of the back line. On the wings, he relies on the youth of Noah Godts and Alexandre Moreira to support striker Charles De Ketelaere. The Dutch coach has therefore built a dynamic attack while keeping Kevin De Bruyne in midfield.

Christophe Franken, special correspondent in Rome, notes that Leandro Trossard and Mike Penders are absent from the squad due to injury. The manager has also left Koni De Winter, Kyriani Sabbe and Malick Fofana off the team sheet, reinforcing the decision not to recall them.

As expected, Thomas Lammens guards the goal against the Squadra, while Youri Tielemans wears the captain’s armband. The defence lines up in a four‑back formation: Jan Vertonghen (Castagne), Toby Alderweireld (Mechele), Timothy Castagne (Ngoy) and Thomas Meunier (De Cuyper).

Van Bommel avoids pieter‑Jan Calcoen's trap in Rome

Belgian attack and stakes

In midfield, Kevin De Bruyne retains his starting spot alongside Charles De Ketelaere, while Alexandre Raskin remains on the bench. The attack consists of De Ketelaere up front, supported by the young Noah Godts on the right and Alexandre Moreira on the left.

For Italy, Gianluigi Donnarumma is the goalkeeper, with a midfield anchored by Nicolo Romano. Luca Zaniolo remains uncertain, and Alessandro Bastoni is suspended. The refereeing will be handled by Daniel Sibert (All).

The Red Devils and coach Mark van Bommel will receive the support of 700 fans who have travelled to Italy tonight. The Stadio Olimpico in Rome has a capacity of more than 70 000 spectators, but it will not be full. Only about 40 000 Italians have bought a ticket for the start of the Nations League campaign.

Vincenzo Ciuro and Silvio Proto comment on the Red Devils in Italy

Making a remark on the tensions between the Belgian football officials highlights the importance of this first match under Van Bommel, who must prove the relevance of his tactical choices.