Romelu Lukaku figures among the 23 players selected for Belgium’s upcoming Nations League fixture against Italy on Sunday, DHnet reported based on a roster published by UEFA ahead of the 20:45 CET kickoff.
Goalkeeper Jari De Busser, defender Josué Kongolo, and midfielder Mandela Keita will watch the match from the stands.
Lukaku missed Thursday’s away fixture in Turkey due to a hip injury. Head coach Mark van Bommel announced on Saturday that the center-forward has recovered and is available to face Italy. Alongside Lukaku’s return, the coach regains Roméo Lavia following his suspension.
On the Italian side, head coach Roberto Mancini must manage without the injured Davide Frattesi and Nicolò Cambiaghi, who recorded a goal and an assist respectively in Italy’s 3-1 victory over France, according to DHnet. Mancini also left former Anderlecht forward Sebastiano Esposito, midfielder Samuele Ricci, and defenders Federico Gatti and Matteo Palma in the stands. Sebastiano Esposito missed a penalty kick against France.
Belgium must win to advance to the quarterfinals
Entering the final matchday, Belgium sits third in the group with 9 points, trailing both Italy and France by one point. France hosts Turkey, which sits at the bottom of the group with zero points. The Red Devils must secure a victory to advance to the quarterfinals, as any other result eliminates them.
In the event of elimination, Belgium must monitor the ranking of third-placed teams. The two best third-placed sides remain in League A, while the two lowest-ranked play relegation playoffs against League B runners-up. Belgium currently holds the status of best third-placed team.
Doku and De Ketelaere may feature in the lineup
RTBF reported that winger Jérémy Doku is expected to retain his spot on the flank following a strong performance upon his return. While Diego Moreira has earned regular starts under Van Bommel, the AC Milan player has struggled to fully cement his manager’s trust, potentially opening the door for Dodi Lukebakio, who has contributed two goals and one assist in the competition.
Charles De Ketelaere appeared alongside Van Bommel in Saturday’s press conference and received high praise from the coach. Given Lukaku’s recent physical setback, De Ketelaere should keep the precedence to start up front. Source 2 projected a probable starting lineup featuring Lammens in goal; Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, and Seys across the back; Lavia and Tielemans in midfield; and Lukebakio, De Bruyne, and Doku supporting De Ketelaere.
Lalibre highlighted a minor referee-card confusion from the previous match, noting that a late yellow card against France was issued to Frattesi rather than Alessandro Bastoni, contrary to initial UEFA records.
Van Bommel warns of Italy and monitors Lukaku's fitness
Van Bommel warned against underestimating the opposition ahead of Sunday’s contest. “It is certainly a completely different Italy than the reverse fixture. They have changed several things. They are more balanced,” Van Bommel said, as reported by L’Avenir.
Regarding Lukaku’s physical readiness, the coach said that the striker participated in training sessions in Tubize and reacted well. However, Van Bommel cautioned that the forward cannot play a full ninety minutes. “Either he gives his all for sixty minutes and then comes off, or, conversely, he comes on for the last half-hour. Both options are possible,” Van Bommel said.
Belgium faces Italy on Sunday at 20:45 CET
The Nations League group-stage encounter between Belgium and Italy kicks off on Sunday at 20:45 CET. Norwegian referee Espen Eskas will officiate the match, with live coverage broadcast across European sports networks.
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