ROME (ITALPRESS) – “Italy has changed their system, they know how to play vertically and are able to change the game by finding the fifth on the opposite side, which often fills the area. It is a team that is doing well and I think it is in a quite positive moment.” This was said by Belgium’s coach Domenico Tedesco in the press conference on the eve of the match against Italy, valid for the third day of Group 2 of Nations League A. It will be the 25th direct confrontation between the two national teams: so far 16 victories have come for the Azzurri, with 4 draws and 4 defeats. A non-trivial match for the Rossano-born coach, who will face Italy for the first time. “A future in Serie A? This is not the right time to talk about me and my dreams,” the coach said. You know I am always focused on the next goal and ours is very difficult. We have been preparing this match for weeks and now the time has come to play it, it will be a great match not only for me but for all of us. But I cannot hide my love and passion for Italy.” At the moment Belgium is stuck with 3 points in the standings and in this national window Tedesco will have to do without De Bruyne, Lukaku and Onana: “We are missing some players, we had to call up young players. Romelu has decided not to be with us for these two games, but there is a possibility that he could return as early as November. I fully understand his reasons, we know that his transfer to Naples came late and he could not do the preparation like the others, so he is not yet in top condition. But there is no problem.” Nice words and chance coming for De Ketelaere: “I think he deserves to be on the field, he is doing well with Atalanta.” Roma’s outfielder Saelemaekers – currently in the pits due to a compound fracture of the medial malleolus – also cashes in on Tedesco’s confidence: “After the operation we spoke to each other. I immediately sent him a message. He is a guy who has a top character, on the field he can give us a hand in many positions because he can play multiple roles and he will definitely fit into our plans.” Joining Tedesco in the press room is Youri Tielemans, who will inherit De Bruyne’s captain’s armband tomorrow night. The Manchester City midfielder after the defeat to France had groomed his teammates, but Tielemans cuts to the chase: “Kevin said true things, we have to play for each other. I don’t think it was a negative message, he was aiming for us to improve as a team.” – Photo Ipa Agency -(ITALPRESS).
