Belgium and Italy are two of the remaining heavyweights in the European Championship quarter finals and the Italians start as favourites for the clash in Munich on Friday
Belgium
A cracking goal from Thorgan Hazard was enough for Belgium to knock out holders Portugal in the Round of 16 in Seville. Belgium were hanging on at times but the game finished 1-0 and they kept their 100% record going. The bad news was that both Kevin de Bruyne and Eden Hazard picked up knocks, at the time of writing their participation in this game was described as doubtful but they hadn't been ruled out to play some part so watch the media for news of their well being.
Belgium won all their matches in Group B to finish 6 points clear of Denmark, Finland and Russia. They were tasked with taking on Russia in Saint Petersburg first up and responded with a 3-0 victory. Next time out they took on the Danes in Copenhagen and came from behind to win 2-1 before completing a routine 2-0 victory over Finland.
The winner of this match will face either Switzerland or Spain in the semi finals.
At the time of writing Belgium’s odds to win the tournament are around 6.85/1 and they are 11/4 to reach the final.
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Italy
Italy were paired with Austria in their Round of 16 clash, they were short price favourites at around 11/20 to win the game in 90 minutes but they needed extra time to get the job done. There were no goals in the 90 minutes although Italy hit the woodwork and Austria also had their chances. Substitutes Chielsa and Pessina scored for Italy in the first extra period and Austria pulled one back with 6 minutes remaining, ending a run of 11 successive Italian clean sheets but Mancini's side had done enough to go through 2-1.
Italy topped Group A with a 100% record, playing all their matches in Rome. They beat Turkey 3-0 first up and further wins followed over Switzerland (also 3-0) and then Wales (1-0).
In the outright betting to win this tournament Italy are currently trading at around 3.85/1 and they are 1.85/1 to reach the final.
Recent Head to Head
The teams have not met since the Euro 2016 finals when Italy were 2-0 winners in a group stage match and both nations went on to be eliminated in the quarter finals.
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The Betting
90 minutes: Belgium are trading at around 23/10 to win the game in regulation time with the draw at 21/10 and Italy can be backed at around 27/20
A game of 3 goals or more is priced at 27/20 and it's even money for both teams to score.
To qualify for the next round under any means of victory Belgium are priced at around 23/20 and Italy are 13/20
Note, odds are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
The Verdict:
Italy dipped below the level they had shown in the group stage when they struggled to see off Austria whilst Belgium's win over Portugal may have come at a price with de Bruyne and Hazard's fitness a big factor.
Neither side are in the habit of losing football matches and whilst the Italian's are experts in keeping clean sheets, I can see a tight first half and scope for goals thereafter.
I'm going to go with the half time draw and additional interest comes in the second half to produce 2 goals or more.
Bets: Half time result draw at 19/20
Second half totals over 1.5 at 15/10
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Note, odds are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
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