Belgium national team coach Domenico Tedesco addressed the media ahead of their Nations League match against Italy, discussing team preparations, tactical approaches, and the absence of key players including Romelu Lukaku.
Tedesco emphasized the importance of every match, stating, “All games are important. We’re missing some players and had to call up youngsters, but it’s difficult to prepare for a game without focusing on the result. Everything we’ve done in training is aimed at the result, but we also want to see other things.”
Regarding the team’s strategy following their disappointing Euro 2024 performance, Tedesco said, “We tried to turn the page as quickly as possible because the Euros were disappointing. We faced teams we thought might be inferior, but they proved they could compete.”
On tactical systems, the coach explained, “Tactics aren’t the main thing. In the last two years, we’ve played with a four-man defense and with a five-man defense in Austria. Generally, I think tactics depend on the players you have available. It always depends on the type of game you want to propose.”
Tedesco praised Italy’s recent form under Spalletti: “They’ve changed their system, playing with a 3-5-2 or 3-4-3, but this isn’t completely new. They play vertically, seek and find the fifth man by switching play, and often fill the box with many players. They’re doing very well in the Nations League.”
Addressing Lukaku’s absence, Tedesco explained, “He decided not to be here, but he didn’t tell us he’d return in January or February; he could be back in November. I understand his decision. He moved late to Napoli and didn’t have pre-season, so he’s not at his best yet.”
The coach also discussed the potential of younger players, particularly Charles De Ketelaere: “I think he deserves a chance. He’s doing very well with Atalanta, has a very important role for them, and can have one for us too.”
Looking ahead to the match against Italy, Tedesco concluded, “Italy is a strong team, no doubt about that. In recent matches, they’ve done very well. We want to put our style on the field, without being naive, both in defensive and offensive phases. These are the games we wake up for in the morning.”
