The top two favorites of Group E are going to get it on right off the bat. Belgium and its so-called golden generation is on a mission to finally make its mark on the international stage in Euro 2016, while Italy will have one of its weakest teams in recent memory. But with expectations low, can the Azzurri catch the stacked Belgians by surprise in their tournament opener?
Read on below for our complete preview of the big Group E showdown. Meanwhile, check out our preview of Group D’s Spain vs. Czech Republic matchup.
Cash In on the Best Online Sportsbook Offers Now at TopBet!
Belgium vs. Italy Preview
Where: Stade des Lumieres, Lyon
When: Monday, June 13, 3:00 PM ET
Line: Belgium +143 vs. Italy +180, tie +192; total: 2.0 – view all Euro 2016 lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
Betting on Belgium (+143)
There’s just talent overflowing in this Belgium team. The Red Devils – ranked No. 2 in FIFA’s world rankings – used that talent to top their qualifying group with a 7-2-1 record, scoring 24 goals and conceding just five.
However, the same cannot be said about Belgium’s defensive options. With the oft-injured Thomas Vermaelen a doubt to play, Wilmots might have to turn to either Jan Vertonghen or the inexperienced Jordan Lukaku (four career caps) at left-back. Wilmots has already decided to go back with Toby Alderweireld at center-back, but playing Jason Denayer at right-back still isn’t ideal.
The silver lining for Belgium is that it’ll face an Italy side that has very little in the way of top quality attacking threats. Even with a makeshift defense, the Belgians should have enough steel in midfield with Axel Witsel and Radja Nainggolan to survive.
The Belgium bench could prove to be very crucial. They have the speed of Carrasco and Mertens as well as the power of Benteke and Batshuayi to bring on as the game wears on and Italy’s stellar defense possibly wears out.
Betting on Italy (+180)
From a talent perspective, particularly up front, Italy is no match for Belgium. The Azzurri don’t possess the firepower the Belgians have, and their already weak attack will likely suffer even more from the absence of Marco Verratti and Claudio Marchisio. The two midfielders were key to the Italians’ attack, which has been missing a dependable, world-class striker for some time now.
But underestimate this Italy team at your own risk. The Azzurri were one of just four teams to go undefeated during qualifying (7-3-0), and will have one of the best managers in the tournament with Antonio Conte.
The incoming Chelsea boss can still call on his former Juventus stalwarts in defense – goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and the back three of Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli – to keep things very tight at the back. And with the experienced midfield of Daniele De Rossi and Thiago Motta shielding that defense, Italy should be that much tougher to break down.
Conte is a proponent of the 3-5-2 formation, which means the wing-backs will be crucial in combating Belgium’s questionable full-backs. Antonio Candreva is a likely starter who can find joy along Belgium’s left wing, while wide forward Stephan El Sharaawy could also give Conte a nice weapon off the bench.
Writer’s Prediction
Belgium can’t completely break down the Italy defense as the two play out a 1-1 draw (+192).
Create a betting account now and start earning big on all the Euro 2016 soccer action this summer.
