Even before today’s EURO quarter-finals (9 p.m., ORF 1 and live ticker on nachrichten.at) in Munich, the local authorities are putting on the brakes and only allow 20 percent utilization of the Munich Allianz Arena. That means: The hit Belgium against Italy goes in front of only 14,500 spectators on the stage. It can still be spectacular because two absolute top strikers are in action. We’re talking about Romelu Lukaku, who has scored three tournament goals for the “Red Devils” so far, and Ciro Immobile, who has two goals and one assist.
The last time these two national teams met was at the EURO 2016 in France, when the Italians had the upper hand in the group stage 2-0. Then it should go steeply downhill for the Squadra Azzurra – with the low point of failure in the World Cup play-off for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The Belgians provided the contrast program with third place at the World Cup and the jump to the top of the FIFA world rankings.
Remarkable shape curves
But none of that counts today. Italy has become a great football nation again under Roberto Mancini and is now unbeaten 31 international matches in a row. The Belgian record is also overwhelming. Even if Roberto Martinez’s team had little to offer in the round of 16 against Portugal, it is the only team in the tournament that could win all four matches in regular time: 3-0 against Russia, 2-1 against Denmark, 2-0 against Finland and 1-0 against Cristiano Ronaldo & Co.
You have to crack this defensive barrier first. Belgium have only lost two matches since losing the 2018 World Cup semi-finals – one against Switzerland (2: 5) and one against England (1: 2) in the UEFA Nations League. That was bearable because this competition has not yet really established itself in the minds of the fans. That doesn’t change the fact that the Italians (and especially their media) have enormous respect for Lukaku. They know what to expect – or better: rolling towards them. This high-speed torrent with enormous physique and accuracy has shone for two years in the jersey of the reigning Serie A champion Inter Milan.
The 28-year-old, whose market value is estimated at 100 million euros, scored no fewer than 64 times in 95 competitive games for the “Nerazzurri”. That is impressive, but it earns only limited respect from its current counterpart, Ciro Immobile (market value 38 million). The 31-year-old doesn’t have to hide at all with 64 goals in 85 matches for Lazio in the past two seasons. This match ends in a draw. That can’t happen today, there has to be a winner.
Belgium fears about two stars
“Italy took me to a new level,” said Lukaku, who came from Manchester United in the summer of 2019: “Now I’m world class, I’ve never felt so strong.” Nevertheless, the super striker is dependent on his submitters – and the Belgians seem to be slowly running out.
There is a huge question mark over the actions of Kevin de Bruyne (ankle joint injury) and Eden Hazard (thigh injury). Both missed the final training session in Tubize. With the Italians, however, should be the captain and chief of defense
Giorgio Chiellini, who was spared in the 2-1 after an extension against Austria, are available again.
“We have to go into the game with respect for the world number one, but all teams have weak points – and we want to exploit them,” said Italian director Jorginho.
Judging by the age structure, Belgium’s “golden generation”, which is supposed to shoot out the first big title, is slowly running out of time. “We have to seize this opportunity”, says offensive man Dries Mertens (34), who broke the record of the incomparable and premature Diego Maradona at SSC Napoli.
Die “Oldies” in der Defensive
With an average of 29.2 years, Belgium, the vice-European champion from 1980, is the oldest of all 24 EURO squads. The Italians (average 27.7 years) are in the middle of the field, which is due to the two “oldies” from Juventus Turin (nickname: “The old lady”) in the defense center. Chiellini is 36, Leonardo Bonucci is 34.
The Belgian defensive can certainly compete with their experience: Toby Alderweireld (32 / Tottenham), Japan Legionnaire Thomas Vermaelen (35 / Vissel Kobe) and Jan Vertonghen (34 / Benfica) arrived in the late autumn of their careers.
But it takes a lot of willingness to run against the lively Azzurri. “We know how difficult this task is. The fans in Italy did not expect their squadra to celebrate this attacking football. But they do – and they show great confidence in it,” explained Mertens.
Italy’s twelve wins en suite with an overall goal difference of 34-1 left a lasting impression. “Italy will attack, they play very dynamically,” emphasized Belgium team boss Roberto Martinez. Fighting postscript: “We can take on the best.”
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