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Belgium Vs Italy Prediction And Odds

Belgium Vs Italy Prediction And Odds

Belgium and Italy will go head-to-head in Munich for a spot in the Euro 2020 semi-finals on Friday night

Robert Mann

Robert Mann

European heavyweights Belgium and Italy will do battle in Munich for a spot in the Euro 2020 semi-finals on Friday night.

Currently ranked the world's number one side, Belgium are undefeated this year, but now face a stern test in Italy who celebrated a new national record of 31 games unbeaten in the previous round. Somebody's '0' has got to go.

Italy, who conceded their first goal in 19 hours and 28 minutes against Austria in their 2-1 last-16 victory on Saturday, have also impressed in attack, scoring nine goals in four matches.

Italy celebrated a new national record of 31 games unbeaten in the previous round
Italy celebrated a new national record of 31 games unbeaten in the previous round

But the prospect of facing a star-studded Belgium - who have also won four out of four games at Euro 2020 - may not have to be feared - with key men Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne likely to miss out due to injury.

The Azzuri will be wary of the fact, however, that the Belgians have won their last eight matches at the European Championships - tasting their last defeat in Euro 2016 with Wales coming out on top 3-1.

This will be the fifth meeting between Belgium and Italy at a major tournament - all four previous meetings came in the group stages, in the 1954 World Cup and the European Championship in 1980, 2000 and 2016.

Italy avoided defeat in all four of those matches, too, winning three and drawing one. Will the Italians continue that fine form tonight? Well, we seem to think so.

With the quarter-finals now underway, our tipster Robert Mann takes a look at some of the best bets from Belgium vs Italy to get your teeth stuck into.

Belgium vs Italy betting tips & predictions

Belgium are 11/5 to win, with Italy priced at 11/8 to come away with the victory. A draw is priced at 21/10.

Prediction: 0-2 (10/1)

Half-Time/Full-Time: Draw/Italy (9/2)

Italy have not tasted defeat since losing 1-0 to Portugal in the UEFA Nations League back in September 2018. That's some impressive run, right?

Since then, they have won their last 31 games in emphatic style - breaking a record that has stood for over 80 years. Could this be the best Italian side in years? Perhaps.

Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard are injured and unlikely to make the starting line-up
Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard are injured and unlikely to make the starting line-up

Both teams boast star-studded sides and we're expecting this one to be a close end-to-end encounter, with plenty of chances for either side.

We're predicting the teams will head into the break level-pegging before Italy come out all guns blazing in the second half and sink their teeth into the jugular of the Belgians.

To win to nil: Italy (11/4)

Although Belgium have in-form Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku - with three goals to his name at Euro 2020, thus far - they may find it difficult to break down a solid Italian defence.

VGiorgio Chiellini's return would boost an already formidable backline
VGiorgio Chiellini's return would boost an already formidable backline

Roberto Mancini's men have, rather impressively, kept 11 clean sheets in 12 matches - that goal against Austria was the first they had conceded in more than 1,000 minutes of football. Just incredible.

Veteran skipper Giorgio Chiellini missed the past two games with a thigh injury and his return would boost an already formidable backline.

First Goalscorer: Ciro Immobile (4/1)

Ciro Immobile made a red-hot start to Euro 2020, scoring in each of the first two games before he was rested for the final group clash against Wales.

The 31-year-old failed to find the net against Austria, but he was still getting into the right places and he will be eager to get back on the goal trail tonight.

Ciro Immobile has netted 15 times for Italy inside 49 games
Ciro Immobile has netted 15 times for Italy inside 49 games

The striker certainly knows where the back of the net is, too, having scored 123 times in 177 appearances for Lazio and also netting 15 times for his country.

For that reason, we're backing the Italian talisman to score first tonight at attractive odds of 7/2. Bellissimo.

Odds are correct at the time of publication and are, as always, subject to change.

Please gamble responsibly. For more information visit: https://www.begambleaware.org.

Belgium team news

With Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard's involvement yet to be confirmed, Belgium are set to have the remainder of their squad available for the quarter-final.

Every one of their 24 outfield players has seen action at some point in Belgium's first four matches, with only the backup goalkeepers yet to take the field.

Timothy Castagne was also ruled out of action after sustaining facial fractures in the opening match, so the wing-backs are set to remain the same - with Thomas Meunier and the in-form Thorgan Hazard occupying the flanks.

Italy team news

Italy have no new injury concerns, with Giorgio Chiellini set to return after missing the last-16 fixture against Austria with a thigh injury.

Roberto Mancini must decide whether to promote previous goalscorers Matteo Pessina and Arsenal target Manuel Locatelli to the starting line-up.

Intriguingly, Mancini is expected to attack the shortage of pace at the heart of Belgium's defence by bringing in Federico Chiesa for Domenico Beradi on the right.

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Topics: Belgium, Euro 2020, Italy