En Italy, the Red Devils saved face and appearances, but only just. A decisive turning point in the match: the exclusion of Pellegrini in the 40th minute, after a too strong tackle on Arthur Theate, completely changed the situation of a hitherto one-sided match in favor of the Squadra Azzurra. Tactically, the Belgians sailed on sight from the kick-off. Domenico Tedesco, after having already surprised with Yannick Carrasco at left back against Slovakia at the Euro, pulled a new find out of his hat: Jérémy Doku at right back.
“The tactical choice was complicated. I had the impression during the first 40 minutes that the Devils were sitting between two chairs, wondering, especially on the right flank, who is doing what. We thus evolved in defense with 5 losing the ball with Doku to block Di Marco’s climbs and with 4 in possession, Debast occupying the right back position, a role in which he has no reference points. I don’t blame these players because the state of mind was there but it couldn’t work,” analyzes Jean-François Remy, former assistant coach of the Belgian Espoirs.
And continued: “There is a lack of consistency between what Tedesco says and what he does, in particular by announcing that he is going to put the players in their best place. When he says he had already made adjustments before Pellegrini’s exclusion, I’m still looking for which ones.
However, it was not all negative. At 11 against 10, the Devils showed character. Maxim De Cuyper, just before the break, gave his team hope by scoring a goal. This boost allowed Belgium to dominate a second half against an Italian team still recovering. Doku, placed back in his usual position, weighed more on the match.
“We can note another positive point: the set phases were clearly worked on and it bore fruit (the Belgian goals were scored on a free kick and a corner kick, Editor’s note),” underlines Jean-François Remy.
Learn the lesson…
Domenico Tedesco has constantly reminded that this Nations League should serve as a laboratory before the more serious deadlines of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, which will begin next March. But there is a difference between testing and destabilizing. Belgium remains a team with a certain status to defend, that of former world number 1. A turnaround, such as that observed in Italy, will not happen every time, especially against strong opponents.
This Monday, against France, in a sold-out King Baudouin Stadium, Tedesco’s choices will be scrutinized again. “What I’m waiting for is a very clear pattern. Players who are in their position, comfortable from the start because if we evolve in the same way as in Rome, we expose ourselves to serious difficulties facing fast and technical elements like Barcola and Dembele. We will have to put in place a plan that is more understandable for everyone,” notes Jean-François Remy.
Changes to expect
The eleven lined up in Rome should undergo some modifications. Timothy Castagne could take over the right-back position in place of Zeno Debast. As for Charles De Ketelaere, he failed to seize his chance against Italy, unlike Leandro Trossard.
Dodi Lukebakio, disappointing in Lyon last September, did little better during his return to Italy. Nevertheless, Tedesco seems to like his profile, and he could be preferred to Johan Bakayoko to occupy the right flank, potentially replacing De Ketelaere. However, we are not safe from a surprise from the German coach. As he himself said in a press conference before the match against Italy: “The result is always important”. This will be even more true this Monday, against a historic France rival of Belgium.
