Belgium 1-2 Italy
Italy are now through to the Euro 2020 semis after seeing off Belgium in their epic clash last Friday.
Nicolo Barella and Lorenzo Insigne spearheaded the Azzurri’s charge by scoring one goal each and that was enough for them to maintain their 32-game undefeated streak. Romelu Lukaku scored one for Belgium in the losing effort.
Down by a single goal, Belgium were chasing for another goal in the second half and they had their opportunities but Italy’s granite-like backline held firm just enough to progress to the Final Four of the tournament.
With the victory, Italy’s Euro 2020 odds to win it all have risen dramatically with one more topnotch team out of the way. And one can argue that only England and Spain have the higher betting odds.
Here at SBOTOP, let’s recap yesterday’s action by taking a look at the Euro 2020 highlights.
Highlights of the game
Eager to assert their will early on, Belgium tried to draw the first blood as Romelu Lukaku threatened to score when he was left unmarked in a couple of instances.
But after that, Italy almost took the lead through Leonardo Bonucci’s effort in the 13th minute when he tapped the ball home from close range only to be denied by the VAR.
The Azzurri were the more fluid team but Kevin De Bruyne’s left-footed rocket drew a beautiful save from Gianluigi Donnarumma during the 22nd minute.
Romelu Lukaku attempted a low shot three minutes later only for it to be blocked once again by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Those saves proved to be pivotal for the Azzurri as they punished the Red Devils when it was their turn to score in the 31st minute.
Marco Verratti teed up Nicolo Barella inside the box and the Inter Milan stalwart bent the ball home into Thibaut Courtois’ goal when he broke free past two Belgian defenders.
After that goal, Italy smelled blood and went for the kill as they doubled their lead just before halftime courtesy of a sublime finish by Lorenzo Insigne.
Jeremy Doku was brought in to replace Eden Hazard in the second half and the Rennes forward made instant impact by winning a penalty when he drew contact from Giovanni Di Lorenzo.
Romelu Lukaku halved Italy’s lead by converting the penalty kick and that gave Belgium some hope.
The Red Devils came so close to an equaliser on the half-hour mark as Jeremy Doku threaded the ball through Kevin De Bruyne. But they couldn’t convert as Romelu Lukaku’s shot after Kevin De Bruyne’s pass was blocked by Leonardo Spinazzola.
Italy held on for the win but a bigger challenge awaits them as one of their impactful players in Leonardo Spinazzola was stretchered off due to a torn Achilles.
Key statistics
This is the 12th time that Italy have reached the semifinals of a major tournament. The only European nation that has more are Germany (20).
Roberto Mancini became only the second coach in the Euros to win each of his first five games in the finals after Michel Hidalgo, who did the same feat for France back in 1984.
Nicolo Barella has now scored six goals in 27 appeareances for Italy, which is considered efficient already compared to seven in his first 116 appearances since his international debut.
On the other hand, no Belgian player has scored more than Romelu Lukaku at either the Euros (6) or in the World Cup (5).
His teammate Jeremy Doku became the youngest player (19 years, 36 days) to make an appearance in a major tournament knockout stage match for the Red Devils.
Doku also became the first teenager to win a penalty at the Euros since Wayne Rooney for England back in 2004 against France.
The Rennes forward has already been linked to Liverpool in transfer rumours asmost fans see his Sadio Mane-type potential.
Italy and Belgium’s central defence featured some old-timers as the average age of the five starting centre-backs was at 34 years and 234 days.
Giorgio Chiellini is the oldest among the bunch at 36 while Thomas Vermaelen is right behind him at 35. Leonardo Bonucci and Jan Vertonghen are 34 while Toby Alderweireld is 32.
What’s next?
Italy are scheduled to lock horns with Spain on Tuesday night at the Wembley Stadium for the Euro 2020 semis.
Spain are fresh from a win against Switzerland in a game that went to as far as the penalties.
Belgium, meanwhile, will have a few months to prepare for their fourth World Cup qualifiers group stage match versus Estonia on September.
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