Belgium vs Italy – Predictions and Betting Tips

Belgium will meet with Italy in the quarterfinals of Euro 2020. The match is scheduled to take place on July 2, 2021. Belgium and Italy showed completely different football both in the group stage and in the round of the last 16. This gives us expectations that the match will provide excitement and both teams will do whatever it takes to achieve the result. The match will be held at Allianz Arena, Munich and the favorites according to bookmakers odds are Italy. Let’s find out more details about the upcoming match and predictions.

Belgium

Belgium showed 100% result in their group at Euro 2020. The team defeated Russia 3-0 in the first round, beat Denmark 2-1 in the second, and beat Finland 2-0 in the third. In the round of 16, the team faced Portugal, where they lost several key players due to injuries, but were able to win 1-0, sending the reigning European champions home. For the Belgian national team, Italy will be the second major test of the tournament.

In the match against Portugal, Belgium played badly in the second half. Euro 2016 champions had a massive advantage, producing attacks. Raphael Guerreiro hit the post and Ruben Dias’ header was thwarted by Thibaut Courtois. Belgium have notably changed their playing style if we compare it to their previous performances. They do not play fierce attacking football and when it matters, playing solid defense is also a possibility for Roberto Martinez’s side. Furthermore, coaches in the staff know precisely how to make the most out of each player.

The likely absence of Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard will be a devastating blow for the Belgian national team. While Hazard had an injury-plagued season during the majority of the season, still he is the kind of player that can decide the outcome of any match with a single shot. Kevin De Bruyne in contrast was a driving force of Manchester City’s success, leading the team to the Premier League title and the Champions League final.

Italy

Italy skated through their rivals in the group, and the team never conceded a goal, beating Turkey 3-0, Switzerland 3-0 and Wales 1-0. In the playoffs, Italy were expected to be about the same level, but Austria showed resilience. Marko Arnautovic’s goal was disallowed with VAR intervention because of the offside. In extra time Italy were still stronger and won the match 2-1. The latter were not conceding a goal more than a thousand minutes, updating the record of legendary goalkeeper Dino Zoff.

While they were excellent in the group stage, the round of 16 demonstrated that Mancini’s side also have some weaknesses. Perhaps including Marco Verratti in the starting lineup was a slight mistake by the Italian coach, because Manuel Locatelli was brilliant in the previous matches, scoring a double against Switzerland. At the same time, Verratti was injured he still needs to pick up a form, thus it would have been preferable to use him as a substitute.

Giorgio Chiellini could feature in the pair with Leonardo Bonucci against Belgium. Juventus centre back suffered an injury against Switzerland in the group stage match and was forced to leave a pitch. His presence on the field will be a huge boost for Italy. The defender is known for his leadership and charisma which impacts significantly the whole team.

Interesting Facts

• Italy played 22 times against Belgium;
• The Italians have scored 43 goals in 22 games, an average of 1.95 goals per game;
• The biggest victory over Belgium in the history of Italy 6-1. This was in 1938;
• Belgium are unbeaten in their last 13 matches (11 wins, 2 draws).
• The Italian national team won their last 12 matches with a total score of 34: 1.
• The last time the teams crossed paths was at Euro 2016. Then the Italian national team beat Belgium in the group with a score of 2:0.

Belgium vs Italy Betting Tips

The national teams of Belgium and Italy have scored a lot in the group stage, but limited themselves to a small number of goals in the playoffs. In this match, you should also not expect an abundance of goals scored from them. These are the events that can occur during the match:

• Italy to Win;
• Under 2.5 Goals;

Let’s explore additional tips that you might find useful when creating a betslip.

Italy to Win

The Belgians lost Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard- and this makes Italy’s chances in this meeting preferable. I do not think that even if they are fit, Roberto Martinez will have them in the starting lineup. Mancini’s team, which tore everyone in the group stage, are favorites to defeat Belgium. They have more experience in playing Euros, a solid team where there is no single leader and… Federico Chiesa. He scored in the previous match and it is likely he will start the match. He had a fantastic season with Juventus. So my bet is on Italy to win.

Under 2.5 Goals

Bookmakers are not expecting goals in this meeting. Two games ended with a score of 2:0. I do not think there will be goals in this meeting and, in my opinion, we will see 2 goals maximum Therefore, you can take a bet on under 2.5 goals. Even though there are a lot of attacking players in both teams Romelu Lukaku, Lorenzo Insigne, Ciro Immobile, Thorgan Hazard, the teams are not likely to open defenses and will play solidly. We have seen that already with Belgium when the team successfully defended against Portugal.

Can Italy Reach the Final?

Belgium are still scary for the opponent and can apply absolutely any playing style at any time, regardless of the opponent’s status. Therefore, Italy, accustomed to the fact that Turkey, Switzerland or Wales, not defending efficiently against them, will find it difficult to figure out how the unpredictable Belgians will behave. I still think, however, that Italy will break this barrier and reach the semi-finals where they will meet the winner between Switzerland and Spain. Roberto Mancini is a perfect fit for this Italy and together they are able to clinch the title.

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