Van Bommel's Strategy: De Ketelaere as False 9 Insights

Belgium's head coach Mark van Bommel has opted to start Atalanta’s Charles De Ketelaere as a False 9 in the upcoming match against Italy, which is set to kick off at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. This decision could influence betting lines, as De Ketelaere is regarded as a 'complete player' capable of utilizing his intelligence, ball protection, and positioning to create offensive opportunities. Bettors should note that this strategic choice may affect Belgium's attacking dynamics and overall performance in the match.

With Romelu Lukaku starting on the bench, Van Bommel's confidence in De Ketelaere could lead to a more fluid attacking approach, potentially impacting the total goals market. Additionally, the historical context of Italy being unbeaten against Belgium in competitive fixtures since 1972 adds another layer for bettors to consider. The last encounter in the Nations League saw Italy secure a narrow 1-0 victory, which might lead to cautious betting strategies favoring low-scoring outcomes.