Belgium v Italy Quarter Final Preview
On paper this is without doubt the pick of the quarter-final matches as two European heavyweights clash horns at the Allianz Arena in Munich. Italy who were undoubtedly the best team throughout the group stages surprisingly struggled in their last 16 game against Austria. It finished 0-0 in normal time and it wasn’t until extra time where their superior quality eventually showed and they sealed a 2-1 win. Belgium, like Italy strolled through the group stages winning each of their three group games. In the last 16 they faced reigning European champions Portugal and scraped through thanks to a thumping Thorgan Hazard goal in a 1-0 win. They were far from convincing however and on another day could easily have lost to Portugal. They will certainly need to up there game against the Italians.
Belgium at Euro 2020
The worlds number 1 ranked team will certainly need to improve if they are to get a past a classy Italian side on Friday night. They looked off it against Portugal and had to rely on a moment of immense quality from Thorgan Hazard to win the game. On a more positive note Lukaku was fantastic and his hold-up play was exceptional throughout. He looks on the top of his game just now and has really developed his skills since moving to Italy to join recently crowned champions Inter Milan. He will know the Italian defenders well with many of the Azzuri defenders plying their trade in Serie A and I fancy him to have the upper hand against their ageing central defenders. He is priced at 2.8 to score anytime which given his confidence and form at the moment seems a reasonable price.
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Romelu Lukaku to score anytime v Italy @ 2.8 at Paddy Power
A big concern for Roberto Martinez will be the fitness of key players Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard who both limped off in the win against Portugal. Midfielder De Bruyne suffered an ankle injury while captain Hazard limped off with a leg muscle problem. The pair have had scans and boss Roberto Martinez said they could still play a part against Italy in Munich. Belgian sources suggest they will be involved but probably not from the start which is an enormous blow for the Red Devils.
Belgium Predicted Line-up vs. Italy: Courtois; Alderweireld, Vermaelen, Vertonghen; Meunier, Witsel, Tielemans, T Hazard; Carrasco, Mertens; Lukaku (3-4-2-1)
Italy at Euro 2020
The Italians breezed through the group stages and looked as though they would be the team to beat this summer as they won all three group games convincingly without conceding a goal. They weren’t quite as impressive against Austria in the last 16 but ultimately got the job done and it is quite clear that there is a lot of belief within the Italy camp. Mancini has transformed the Italians since taking the role as manager back in May 2018 and the Azzuri go in to the game on Friday on an incredible 31 match unbeaten run!
They are different, dynamic and modern in their 4-3-3 and with a strong structure. They are stronger as a unit than a group of individuals. Their togetherness is for all to see and for me they will be the main threat to England this summer who they could well meet in the final at Wembley. The Italians don’t appear to have any major injury concerns and could be further boosted by the likely return of Captain, Giorgio Chiellini. The 36 year-old was absent for our last two fixtures, having limped off in the second group fixture with Switzerland, but did return to training ahead of our last victory over Austria. He is expected to start here which is a massive boost for the Italians.
Italy Predicted Line-up vs. Belgium: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Spinazzola; Jorginho, Verratti, Barella; Chiesa, Insigne, Immobile (4-3-3)
Belgium v Italy Betting Tips & Predictions
Should be a cracking game as two genuinely world class teams go head to head. I do expect the Italians to edge it however. Under Mancini they are building something really special and the momentum is very much with them as they look to continue their outrageous unbeaten run. The fitness issues within the Belgian camp only further support my thoughts that the Italians will edge this one. Lukaku will be hard to handle and his pace and power is sure to trouble an ageing Italian backline and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Belgians score in this one. Ultimately though I think the Azzuri will win in what I suspect will be an entertaining affair in Munich on Friday night. An Italian win and BTTS is priced at a generous 5.5 and I fancy the Italians to win 2-1 in this one.
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Italy to Win and Both Teams to Score @ 5.5 at Paddy Power
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Italy to Win 2-1 @ 10.0 at Paddy Power
Belgium v Italy Euro 2020 Bet Builder
Follow me on social media through the links below to see my bet builder for Belgium v Italy. As always I’ll share my free, researched betting tips for Euro 2020 on all three social media channels once we have confirmed team lineups. My bet builder for Belgium v Italy is likely to include shots, shots on target, corners and player bookings.
* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing *
How to watch Belgium v Italy in Euro 2020
📅 When is Belgium v Italy? / Friday, 2 July 2021, 20:00 BST
🏟 Where is Belgium v Italy taking place? / Allianz Arena (Munich)
📺 What TV Channel is Belgium v Italy on? / BBC One, ZDF
📱 Online Live Streaming for Belgium v Italy / bet365
