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Euro 2016 hosts its first marquee match-up, as high-flying Belgium meets the accomplished Italy in Group E at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais in Lyon. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5am AEST on Tuesday morning.
The head-to-head is a mismatch between two nations that both have fine European pedigree – Belgian teams from the 70s and 80s are what has sent the country’s footballing benchmark, that which may change at this year’s Euros, such is the quality of the class of 2016.
This may well be the team that wins Belgium their first major title – and their status as the highest ranked European team will befit such an achievement.
Meanwhile, Italian football’s history is storied from the very first World Cup. Four World Cup triumphs tell one story, but a sole European title in 1968 is a meagre return for a country of Italy’s stature.
More is demanded from the Azzurri, and despite their previous dominance over Belgium, they enter the Parc Olympique Lyonnais as slight underdogs.
Belgium coach Marc Wilmots has a wealth of experience and superb talent at his disposal, but it is the absence of nominal captain Vincent Kompany that may raise questions should their campaign not fulfil its promise.
The Manchester City defender is Belgium’s organiser in chief, and without him, Wilmots will have to choose between Thomas Vermaelen or the younger Jason Denayer to partner Toby Alderweireld in central defence.
Up the field though is where Belgium’s advantage counts, with the strike options of Romelu Lukaku, Christian Benteke and Yannick Carrasco to choose from, with the supply lines offered by captain Eden Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne.
It’s difficult to anticipate who will start for Belgium, but the role of Axel Witsel and Moussa Dembele will be critical in ensuring Belgium’s defence is not exposed.
That is where Italy’s historical threat has always lied – on the counterattack, and Antonio Conte will set them up to be defensively resolute once again.
The back four is handpicked from the Juventus combo of Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci, who could be joined by Manchester United’s Matteo Darmian in defence.
But the role of Daniele de Rossi and Antonio Candreva will be critical in filling the sizeable hole left by Andrea Pirlo, while up top is where Italy’s potential weakness is.
Conte’s best option could be Graziano Pelle, whose football at Southampton this season has been inconsistent in both appearance and performance.
As traditional slow starters, a format where third place is not terminal could pave the way for one of Italy’s slow improvement as the tournament progresses.
It is the tournament’s first A-list match-up, expect a strong Belgium outing that underpins their championship credentials, but as always with Italy, nothing will come easy, and Italy may well catch their opponents on the counterattack, given Belgium’s propensity to attack. Expect goals, and maybe a fair lot of defensive errors.
Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5am AEST on Tuesday morning.
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