Van Bommel reveals his starting eleven, Garcia central in defence
Mark van Bommel presented his first starting eleven for the Red Devils before the clash against Italy, keeping goalkeeper Thibaut Lammens and rebuilding the central duo Garcia – Mechele‑Ngoy. The Dutch coach thus laid the tactical foundations of his team, while leaving a few places open for the reserves.
Structured defence and midfield
In defence, the expected Lammens occupies the goal, while the central duo Garcia – Mechele‑Ngoy takes on the responsibilities, marking a first trend of the selector. Defender Debast, back from a World Cup injury, remains on the bench. On the flanks, Cuyper and Castagne animate the sides, providing width and dynamism.
Attack and Italian options
In midfield, van Bommel favours Lavia but retains the revelation Garcia, complemented by Rangers' Raskin, forming a triangle with captain Tielemans and Kevin De Bruyne, the last survivor of the golden generation and a Serie A regular. Up front, De Ketelaere is logically preferred to Lukaku, supported by Moreira, whose recent performances at Milan have impressed. Godts, appreciated since the Eredivisie era of the coach, completes the offensive trident, promising fire on the Belgian wings.
Mark van Bommel launches the rebuilding of the Red Devils in Rome
On the Italian side, Mancini imagined a 4‑2‑3‑1 with the Kean‑Pio Esposito duo up front and the presence of the young talent Romano in midfield, highlighting the “Italian” dimension of the opposing lineup.
Christophe Franken, special correspondent in Rome and head of the Football section, relayed this information, recalling that the image “It was expected!” accompanied the release of the starting lineup. The text, published in the Sports section, underscores the importance of these first choices for tonight’s match.
Mark van Bommel pits Raskin and Belgium's youth against Italy
The Red Devils therefore enter the confrontation with a solid defensive line, a creative midfield centred on Garcia and an attacking front capable of lighting up the wings, ready to face Italy in a decisive duel.