Belgium secured their fourth victory at Euro 2020 – the first time this country have ever won four games in a single European Championship finals.
Belgium
A Thorgan Hazard stunner against Portugal booked Belgium’s place in this eye-catching quarter-final. As a result, they secured their fourth victory at Euro 2020 – the first time this country have ever won four games in a single European Championship finals. They’ll now hope to capitalize on a lucky omen, as four of the previous five nations to have knocked out the current European champions went on to lift the trophy. Having lost at the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016, Belgium finally cleared this hurdle at the 2018 World Cup. Moreover, they’ve shown natural development under boss Roberto Martínez, as no European nation has won more games – 47 and scored more goals – 175 than Belgium since Martínez took over.
Italy
In fact, it’s a managerial battle of the Roberto’s in this encounter. Italy, currently led by Roberto Mancini, have won three of four fixtures against Belgium since the start of 2000 and are unbeaten in major tournament H2Hs – the last two ended in a 2-0 win for the Italians. Mancini’s inspired substitutions got the job done against Austria, with another clean sheet in 90 minutes, taking Italy’s current streak to 12 within regulation time. Arriving in their fourth successive European Championship quarter-final, a win would result in a fifth consecutive European Championship victory for the Italians, an unprecedented feat for the ‘Azzuri’. Averaging 21.8 shots per game – a competition high after the Round of 16 – while facing only seven shots themselves shows Italy national team have been at their best.
Italy have only conceded 13 goals across their last 18 games at major tournaments, keeping eight clean sheets and conceding more than once on only one occasion.
Thorgan Hazard now has four goals and two assists in his last seven starts for Belgium, while Italy’s Ciro Immobile will be looking to add to his two goals and one assist at Euro 2020.
Italy’s last three Euro quarter-finals went to penalties.