Belgium came into the Euro 2020 as one of the top favorites but that will be put to test again when the lock horns with the in-form and title rivals Italy in what is the most anticipated and exciting yet tough quarter final fixture this Friday at Allianz Arena in Munich with kickoff at 22:00.
Belgium managed to advance to the quarter final after they knocked out the European Champions Portugal in the last 16 following a 1-0 triumph thanks to a second half spectacular goal from Thorgan Hazard. The win came following Belgium’s dominance in the group stage having won all their three matches with seven goals and only conceded once against Denmark.
The Red Devils head into the match being in a good form as they have not lost in any of their last 13 games with a five-match winning streak and although this match will be a close call Belgium might come out as the strong side only because this is the first tough challenge for Italy.
Meanwhile the Italians also came into this tournament as one of the favorites and still are following their best displays in the group stage as they left the best impression of being formidable title contenders having won all their three matches with seven goals without conceding any.
Although Italy dominated the group stage, they needed extra time to beat Austria, who wouldn’t go out without a fight, thanks to goals from Chiesa and Pessina while Sasa Kalajdzic scored for Austria. The bookies consider the Azzurri to be favorites in the Friday’s clash following their brilliant form as they have not lost in any of their last 31 matches with a 12-match winning streak and also, they are a well-organized side with a great team spirit which will be crucial in this match.
The last time these two met was back in the group stage of the previous Euro with Italy emerging triumphant with a 2-0 victory. It will be hard to achieve the same result in this match.
Belgium vs Italy head to head
Both sides have met in eight occasions since 1954 with Italy being the better team with four victories while Belgium have two wins and two matches ended in a draw. Here are the results from their previous encounters;
- Belgium 0-2 Italy Jun 13, 2016
- Belgium 3-1 Italy Nov 13, 2015
- Italy 3-1 Belgium May 30, 2008
- Belgium 0-2 Italy Jun 14, 2000
- Italy 0-0 Belgium Jun 18, 1980
Home
- Belgium 1-0 Portugal
- Finland 0-2 Belgium
- Denmark 1-2 Belgium
- Belgium 3-1 Russia
- Belgium 1-0 Croatia
Away
- Italy 2-1 Austria
- Italy 1-0 Wales
- Italy 3-0 Switzerland
- Turkey 0-3 Italy
- Italy 4-0 Czech Republic
Belgium team news
Both Kevin de Bruyne and Eden Hazard both suffered injuries in their match against Portugal but they might be okay to start in Friday’s match. However, Timothy Castagne and Nacer Chadli will both miss out.
Italy team news
Giorgio Chiellini mighty be fit to start in the Friday’s clash. However, Alessandro Florenzi remains in the recovery room and will have to miss out.
Prediction and odds
As said earlier this will be close call as both teams are evenly matched and both have strong squads. Therefore, it will be low scoring match that might end in extra time.
- Draw
- Goals under 2.5
- Correct score 1-1 (after 90 minutes)