2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship – Belgium vs Italy Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Belgium vs Italy taking place? Saturday 22nd June 2019 – 20:00 (UK)
Where is Belgium vs Italy taking place? MAPEI Stadium - Città del Tricolore, Reggio nell'Emilia
What television channel is Belgium vs Italy on? Sky Sports Football
Where can I stream Belgium vs Italy? Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match online via Sky Go
Where can I get tickets for Belgium vs Italy? https://www.uefa.com/under21/news/newsid=2597855.html
THE TEAM NEWS
BELGIUM
- Belgium lost both of their previous two group stage matches against Poland and Spain and are now playing only for pride as any chance of them progressing to the semi-finals is officially over.
- They looked set to pick up a hard-earned point against Spain after recovering from conceding an early goal to level the match but were eventually left crestfallen when, despite some valiant defending, they couldn’t hold out and a late goal from Spanish substitute Fornals settled the match.
- Belgium coach Johan Walem made three alterations for the Spain match and is likely to make some more for this fixture with his side already out of contention for qualification.
ITALY
- Italy’s qualification fate is now out of their own hands following their 1-0 defeat against Poland on Wednesday so all they can do is try and win this match and hope that results in other games go their way as six points might still not be enough to progress.
- Italy dominated the game against Poland and had chances to score before they conceded. After falling behind, they piled on the pressure but couldn’t find a way through a packed defence, with the closest they came being when Pellegrini hit the post in the second half.
- Moise Kean is likely to start the game after he came on for the second half against Poland when Orsolini aggravated a previous shoulder injury, while Nicolò Zaniolo came off the bench and picked up a yellow card and will be suspended for this match.
THE PREDICTION
Italy must put the big disappointment of their defeat against Poland behind them as they face Belgium in a game they have to win and hope other results go their way if they are to make it through to the semi-finals. The Italians will certainly feel a big sense of frustration having had so much of the play against Poland without making it count, but they should have more joy in front of goal against Belgium who have lost each of their last four matches and have conceded at least two goals in each of their last five matches. A win for Italy is the prediction but whether it will be enough for a place in the semi-finals is unknown.
