Euro 2020 Quarterfinals: Belgium vs Italy preview

 

The biggest matchup in the Euro 2020 quarter finals will feature two of the tournament’s most dominant teams so far. Both Belgium and Italy have won each of their 4 games in the tournament. Moreover, the pair have just conceded one goal apiece while also being quite prolific at the other end.

Belgium faced Portugal in their quarter final clash and although Portugal fashioned a lot of chances, it was the Three Lions who scored the decisive goal thanks to a lovely effort from Thorgan Hazard just before half time.

Italy come into the match on the back of their hardest match in a long time as they conceded a goal after around 18 hours of football. Despite dominating the match, they couldn’t score a goal past Austria during 90 minutes but after extra time, came out as 2-1 victors.

As far as team news is concerned, both teams are likely to make changes in the attacking department. Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne suffered injuries in their clash against Portugal and are expected to miss the game against Italy. For Gli Azzurri, the change is not forced but Federico Chiesa is likely to replace Domenico Berardi after the Juventus winger scored the opening goal against Austria.

Belgium have faced Italy on four occasions at major tournaments earlier but have never been able to win the game. This will be their first meeting in a knockout contest. The last 3 quarter final matches featuring Italy in the Euros have all been decided by a penalty shootout and seeing how strong both teams have been, this one might face the same fate.

Belgium look stronger on paper and even without their two-star players Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne, they will start the match as favourites. Italy have been really strong at the back and could cause trouble to Belgium’s low centre backs on the counter attack.

The match will definitely be a close affair and it could well be dictated by the midfield battle. Italy’s three-man midfield have been very solid so far and in the absence of Kevin De Bruyne, they could come out on top.