Group E favourites Belgium and Italy face off this Tuesday morning at Lyon’s Stade des Lumieres in an important clash for Euro 2016 supremacy.
Will Italy’s midfield and attack surprise us?
Right now, Italy boasts one of the world’s best backlines. The Juventus wall of Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini have broken all sorts of defensive records over the past few years, but the real question remains what kind of quality do Italy have in midfield and attack? With pre-tournament injuries ruling out midfield stars Claudio Marchisio and Marco Verratti, the Italians are left without much option in the centre of the park and will need inspiration from an unlikely source. In attack the Azzurri have never had many options to begin with, as the decline of Mario Balotelli, coupled with ageing stars phasing out of the side has left Antonio Conte without a great deal of choice. Graziano Pelle will be expected to start, however, Conte’s options off the bench are quite slim with Ciro Immobile (struggling for form) and Simone Zaza (limited game time) his backups.
Are the Belgians the real deal?
This squad may not have the same quality that is expected of an Italian team, however, a win tomorrow for the Belgians will put down a real marker for the rest of the tournament. There is no doubting they have some of the tournaments biggest names, with Premier League aces Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku all set to lineup for Marc Wilmots’ side. The Belgian’s performed admirably at the 2014 World Cup – going down in the quarter-final’s to eventual finalists Argentina, however, with the pressure to perform again at the Euro 2016, they will need to prove they are now a European powerhouse with another strong showing in France.
Can Italy win off the back of their defence?
Italy’s strong point will no doubt be it’s defence. Barzagli, Bonucci and Chiellini are a trio who have amassed plenty of game time for Juventus and the national side in the past and their defensive solidarity will go a long way in helping Italy push for a deep run in the tournament. Add Gianluigi Buffon’s ability and leadership as goalkeeper and the Azzurri will no doubt prove a difficult match for Belgium’s strong attack. As mentioned, with key midfielders Claudio Marchisio and Marco Verratti out of the side, Conte is left with no real playmaker, piling even more importance on Leonardo Bonucci in defence – who can push further forward in possession and look to stretch the play.
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