Belgium Vs Italy Preview: [ Team News + Prediction ]

Two of the pre-tournament favourites square off against each other as Belgium and Italy lock horns in the UEFA Euro 2020 quarter-final on Friday night at the Allianz Arena, Germany.

Belgium, the No. 1 ranked team in the world, have been playing just like it, looking unstoppable so far at the European Championship. Barring a slow first-half in the Group B game against Denmark, Roberto Martinez’s Red Devils have been the team to beat, winning each of their group fixtures before toppling the defending champions, Portugal, in the Round of 16 contest, to set up what will be their sternest test of the tournament so far.

Italy, like Belgium, have been on the money for large parts of the competition. Three comfortable victories in Group A over Turkey, Switzerland and Wales meant they cruised through to the Round of 16 easily but were made to work hard by a resilient Austrian side as Roberto Mancini’s Azzurri picked up a hard-fought 2-1 win after extra time to set a date with the best-ranked team in Munich this week.

The last time Italy and Belgium locked horns with each other was five years ago in the UEFA Euro 2016, where the Azzurri triumphed 2-0 in a group game. Ahead of this latest blockbuster encounter set to go down at the Allianz Arena, www.footydreamsgh.com takes a closer look at both teams.

Team News
Belgium
Thomas Meunier continues at right wing-back following Timothy Castagne’s tournament-ending injury during the group stages while Thorgan Hazard keeps his place on the left.

With both De Bruyne and Hazard likely to miss out, there will be a double change in the final third of the pitch as Dries Mertens and Yannick Carrasco replace the duo.

Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Courtois; Alderweireld, Vermaelen, Vertonghen; Meunier, Tielemans, Witsel, Hazard; Mertens, Carrasco; Lukaku.

Italy
As for Italy, Roberto Mancini is expected to have captain Giorgio Chiellini back available after not risking him in the last game against Austria. Alessandro Florenzi, however, remains a doubt for the contest.

Domenico Berardi is expected to edge out Federico Chiesa, who was on target against Austria, for the starting berth on the right flank, while Lorenzo Insigne is a certainty on the left, from where he will constantly look to cut in and take aim at goal. Finally, Ciro Immobile should spearhead the attack for Italy ahead of Andrea Belotti.

Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Spinazzola; Barella, Jorginho, Verratti; Berardi, Immobile, Insigne.

Prediction
Belgium have become the highest-ranked team in the world for a reason, and they have shown that mettle and quality so far in the UEFA Euro 2020. However, the potential absence of both Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard takes a lot of shine out of the side even though the likes of Dries Mertens and Yannick Carrasco are capable of being a handful to the opponents.

Italy, meanwhile, have continued to make huge stride under the tutelage of Roberto Mancini. Solid defensively and clinical going forward, the Azzurri have constantly displayed why they are among the favourites to take home the trophy. And, having been given a mighty scare by Austria last time out, they will be more alert and focused.

Footydreamsgh.com say 1-2 win for the Azzurri to take them through to the semi-finals.