Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Belgium could line up for Thursday’s UEFA Nations League clash with Italy.
Belgium head to Rome for a UEFA Nations League encounter with Italy on Thursday evening, with several big-name players left at home for a variety of reasons.
Following last month’s loss to France – also their conquerors at this year’s Euros – the Red Devils were openly criticised by captain Kevin De Bruyne, who has since temporarily stepped down from international duty and is currently injured in any case.
Furthermore, all-time top scorer Romelu Lukaku will miss out on a return to Stadio Olimpico, where he represented Roma last season, having declared himself unavailable for the rest of this year.
The Napoli striker is focusing on reaching peak fitness at his latest new club, but another star, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, is absent due to an ongoing row with head coach Domenico Tedesco.
As the Belgians’ Italy-born boss pays a trip to his country of birth, he will therefore call upon a new generation of talent emerging to replace the much-hyped old guard.
Tedesco has called up Juventus winger Samuel Mbangula – who only made his senior debut in Serie A this season – in addition to 19-year-old Malick Fofana of Lyon and Celtic youngster Arne Engels.
Sporting Lisbon defender Zeno Debast (20) could start in the visitors’ back four, while Johan Bakayoko (21) is another option out wide, having already accrued 16 caps.
In Lukaku’s absence, Napoli forward Cyril Ngonge is included as cover for Lois Openda, who is expected to start up front, holding off competition from the versatile Charles De Ketelaere, who plays his club football in Italy, for Atalanta BC.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard is back in the squad after being overlooked last month, and he could fill in for De Bruyne as the link between midfield and attack.
Belgium possible starting lineup: Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Debast, Theate; Onana, Tielemans; Lukebakio, Trossard, Doku; Openda
> Click here to see how Italy could line up for Thursday’s UEFA Nations League contest
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