The EURO 2020 quarterfinals bring a spectacle, with Belgium and Italy meeting at this stage. Both sides have the ambition to win the title in this tournament, which promises a fierce battle. ProSports.net brings a short preview of this match. Take three minutes of your time to read it.
EURO 2020 Starts, Italy Defeats Turkey 2-0 in the Opener
Belgium vs. Italy Preview
Belgium +200
EURO 2020: Belgium vs. Portugal Preview, Odds, Pick
Red Devils are the top nation in the FIFA rankings and, per various analysts, the first candidate to win this trophy. Roberto Martinez’s boys posted triumphs in all four games so far, allowing goals in just one, against Denmark, once they flipped the result.
Unlike the previous games, which were most efficient and above 2.5 goals, the victory vs. Portugal was minimal, 1-0. It was a hard-fought battle, occasionally very dirty as Portuguese players aimed to hurt the Belgians.
Thorgan Hazard scored the only goal, and he could have added at least one more in the closing moments of the meeting. Kevin De Bryne received one nasty knock, which forced him to leave the match midway through the second half, and his condition has been evaluated as we write this article.
Italy +170
For 31 matches, this team didn’t lose, and in the last 11, they haven’t allowed a goal during the regular 90 minutes. This is how strong Italy is. Roberto Mancini made this team from scratch, and for now, he is confidently leading it throughout the tournament.
Even though they had many problems against Austria, the Italian team didn’t slow down nor lose its composure but confidently grinded its way towards the victory. Youngsters, Pessina and Chiesa, netted a goal each, showing that the new Italian side is yet to make spectacular results in the future.
The biggest problem for Mancini before the quarterfinals is Giorgio Chiellini’s condition. The veteran centre-back, who is the leader of this unit, struggles with injury, and even though everything points that he should be ready for the match, there are some doubts whether he can compete with the Belgian’s attackers.
Belgium vs. Italy Head to Head Games
Italy was better than Belgium the last time they clashed, which was five years ago, at EURO 2016. It was 2-0 for the Italians in the group-stage match.
Belgium vs. Italy Prediction and Pick
The Belgians are looking like a better team at the moment. Italy played the first three games at home in Rome, and as soon as Azzuri moved away from their country, they struggled to provide. Also, the Belgians are tremendous in the attack, with Romelu Lukaku leading the way. Inter Milan’s striker knows all the rivals, and he will for sure be a big advantage for the Red Devils.
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-->Pick: Belgium to win +200