Belgium and Italy clash in the derby match of the EURO 2020 quarterfinals. The Red Devils have massive problems coming into this match, as several of their players picked up injuries against Portugal. On the other side, the Italians have a few players with health issues as well, but are in a far better position than their rivals. Some of the experts believe that the winner of this game is going to go all the way. After all, both the Belgians and the Italians are among the biggest favorites to win the European title.
Belgium vs. Italy Schedule
- Where: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
- When: Saturday, July 2, 3pm ET
- How to Watch: ESPN
Belgium vs. Italy Odds
| Belgium | Draw | Italy |
|---|---|---|
| +240 | +210 | +120 |
All Eyes on Lukaku
The Belgians will appear without Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard, which is an incredible blow for this unit. Portugal’s players were the least to say dirty, aiming to hurt these two football geniuses, and eventually did that, preventing them from playing in the quarterfinals. It is fair to say, that the referee Felix Bruch needs to be mentioned as well, with his amateur and subjective criteria.
Romelu Lukaku is the only advantage Belgium now has over the upcoming rival. The powerful striker is one of the best strikers in the world, and the fact that he plays for Inter Milan, is a big plus because Lukaku knows all of the players from Italy’s backline.
The Red Devils didn’t lose in 13 straight games. A recent couple of matches saw incredible defensive effort coming for the defensive part of the unit, with them allowing one goal in five events.
Italy’s Incredible Run
Azzurri didn’t lose in 31 matches and has won the latest 11. They also allowed one goal, the one in the extra time against Austria over those 11 victories. Now that is the power of this unit. Incredible defense, regardless of the starters, and a very efficient and effective attack.
What is also very important here is Italy’s diversity in scoring, with several players from this crew netting at this tournament. Against Austria, the goals were delivered by Matteo Pessina and Federico Chiesa, two youngsters who are the future of Italian football.
Against Austria, the Italians were a bit slower than usual, but like so many times before, with a little bit of luck, they would shake off the adversity.
Belgium vs. Italy Head to Head
The last time these teams met, Italy was better. That contest took place in the group stage of the EURO 2016 in France, with the result being 2-0 for Azzurri. The goalscorers were Giaccherini and Graziano Pelle.
Belgium vs. Italy Prediction and Pick
Without De Bruyne and Hazard, Belgium will have to make a defensive-minded tactic. They don’t have the advantage in the midfield anymore, and Martinez will probably add one more defensive midfielder besides Witsel. We don’t expect to see too many goals in this match because of the stakes and the above-mentioned problems with injuries. Don’t forget that Giorgio Chiellini, too, has some issues, and all this forces us to bet on under 2.5 goals.
Pick: Under 2.5 goals
