Van Bommel stresses Lukaku's key role against Italy
Italy arrives in Brussels with a point ahead of the Red Devils, a decisive advantage before tomorrow's match.
Mark van Bommel presented himself to the press on the eve of the Red Devils' match against Italy.
The manager reviewed the importance of this encounter as well as Romelu Lukaku's physical condition.
A month after being beaten 0-2 in Rome in the first match, Italy arrives in Brussels with a point ahead of the Red Devils.
Analysis and expectations
"It's a different Italy from the opening match. They are more solid. They have progressed in a short time. We don't beat France like that," Mark van Bommel confirmed in a press conference, quoted.
The staff analyzed the Squadra's match against the Blues: "It's incredibly impressive that they managed to turn the situation around against France. But that didn't surprise me. We also deserved better against France at home."
"Tomorrow, it will be win or nothing: Italy has the advantage. A draw is enough for them. Even though that could also sow doubt. We always want to win, no matter where we play," Van Bommel said.
Red Devils gather in Tubize ahead of final against Italy
Belgium also won in Turkey, although everything wasn't perfect.
"A win always gives confidence. We want to implement a playing system. It's difficult with a national team. But I like our style of play. We exude that confidence," the coach added.
"It's not a final. In a final, you can win something, a tournament for example. It's about qualifying or not. I see it more as a knockout match. And it's also a good test, because we encounter this kind of situation at the Euros," Van Bommel continued.
Absent in Turkey, Romelu Lukaku will be part of the squad: "He trained yesterday in Tubize and again today. Romelu will therefore be available tomorrow. The others are also in shape. His presence in the team is important, whether he starts or comes off the bench. The opponent takes that into account. Moreover, he has experience in big matches. Romelu knows what needs to be done."
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If Lukaku is not fit to start, Big Rom will probably give his place to Charles De Ketelaere, scorer in Izmir: "He is gradually turning into a modern striker. Fast, powerful, good on the ball, tall… He can drop deep, he can score. He's the kind of striker we're happy to have in our team. He's a valuable asset."
Present alongside the coach, CDK then spoke: "After our win against Italy, some said it was only against Italy. I had already said at that time that it was a good team, with good players. They were coming off a missed World Cup. So confidence wasn't at its best. Those wins against Turkey and the draw against France gave them back confidence."
Rom watches the situation closely.