Here is the preview for the most interesting match of the entire tournament, the quarterfinals between Belgium and Italy.
Here is the preview for the most interesting match of the entire tournament, the quarterfinals between Belgium and Italy.
The match between Belgium and Italy highlight the EURO 2020 quarterfinals. These two teams are arguably the biggest favorites for winning the title, which is why the media hype surrounding this match eclipses all others. Belgium has extreme troubles with injuries, as both Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard miss this event. We really don’t need to tell you how big of a problem for Roberto Martinez this is. Italy’s focal point in defense, Giorgio Chiellini, is also doubtful. Still, it is far from Belgium’s handicap.
We’ll see how Roberto Martinez covers up his two best players. Portugal’s players have done everything in their power to hurt De Bruyne and Hazard, and to be honest, they got away without any punishment.
The Red Devils are without a defeat for the last 13 matches, and a 1-0 victory against Selecao was the fifth straight triumph for this side. Throughout this interval, the Belgians allowed just one goal, which is a new quality for this crew. We always believed that Belgium’s biggest strength is offense, but the recent matches are suggesting otherwise.
Romelu Lukaku is one of the best players in the tournament, and in this match, he will have to be at the highest possible level. He, Thorgan Hazard, and Axel Witsel will have to take the biggest burden in the absence of the above-mentioned duo.
Roberto Mancini’s side is without a loss for 31 straight matches, and once counting only the regular 90 minutes against Austria, have 11 consecutive clean sheets. That is why we had so many kind words about them in our previous previews.
They had to work very hard against Austria to reach the next stage. That game was the first big test for this generation, and they’ve passed it successfully. Federico Chiesa and Matteo Pessina were the two guys who delivered decisive blows to the Austrian side.
Italy is tough and aggressive in the midfield and likes to attack and pressure the rivals when they get the chance. To be honest, we didn’t get used to seeing that from this team in the recent past.
Belgium: Courtois; Alderweireld, Denayer, Vertonghen; Castagne, Tielemans, Dendoncker, Carrasco; Mertens, T. Hazard; Lukaku
Italy: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Acerbi, Bonucci, Spinazzola; Barella, Jorginho, Verratti; Berardi, Immobile, Insigne
The most recent meeting between the Red Devils and Azzuri took place in 2016 at EURO. It was a group stage contest in which the Italians posted a 2-0 victory.
Without De Bruyne and Eden Hazard, we can expect to see a bit more cautious tactics from the Belgian side. They will have to rely upon counter-attacks, set pieces, and Lukaku’s individual quality. Anything other than that would be a nuisance. As for the Italian team, they, too, won’t take any risk, which is why betting on under 2.5 goals in this game is the best possible solution.