INDOMITABLE ITALY LICK INDISPENSABLE BELGIUM
From the early minute of the match between Belgium and Italy, Leonardo Bonucci thought he had put Italy ahead but he was judged to be offside by VAR. A fitness doubt before the match, Kevin De Bruyne almost rewarded Roberto Martínez’s faith as he tested Gianluigi Donnarumma. Moments later, Romelu Lukaku had a similar opportunity, weaving past the Italian defence before his shot was saved.
After Bonucci’s strike was chalked out, Italy broke the deadlock legitimately this time as Nicolò Barella showed impressive footwork and matched it with a precise finish with his laces past Thibaut Courtois. Roberto Martínez's side was then shell-shocked as Lorenzo Insigne doubled Italy’s lead with a well-executed curling effort past the helpless Belgian goalkeeper.
However, Belgium were given a lifeline in the form of a penalty after Giovanni Di Lorenzo had nudged over Jérémy Doku. All-time record goal scorer Lukaku duly delivered with a composed spot-kick. Defending their precarious lead in the second half, Leonardo Spinazzola made a gladiator-like block to deny Lukaku who had the goal at his mercy but failed to convert. Belgium continued to threaten with the recently introduced Nacer Chadli causing problems via a dangerous cross, though that would be his only action as he was forced off with injury after just three minutes.
The game became disjointed as fatigue kicked in but Doku, the youngest player to start in a knockout match for Belgium, almost used his youthful exuberance to force a late goal when his shot sailed narrowly over the bar. Italy, renowned for their art of defending, resolutely protected their lead as they closed out the ‘Red Devils’ to secure a semi-final tie against
Good one for Robert maccini and his boys and I want to say the Belgium team tried all to their best,but the record is still standing against them when it comes to playing against the Azzurri's it is now 15 wins to the Italian out of 19 meetings compare to 4 wins that the Belgian national team managed to have
The Italian really did well on the night containing world no 1 Belgium. I was really impressed with their performance. Didn't know they play so well after never really following their game.
Belgium also tried but were unfortunate on the night after squandering some opportunities. Doku was really a threat and exciting player to watch. Would love to see how the young lad rises to the top in the years to come
Their semi final clash again Spain is a must see as I'd like to see how both side perform. Would also like to see the Azzurris return the favor of the 2012 Euro final Loss. I think Italy are the clear favorites and deserve to win this trophy at the end of the tournament.
This is the the am respecting most because in this tournament this are the team that don't have a lot of goal against from their opponent but them do score for them to move forward. Oh no their defense is very very okay if a did not mistake it
This is the the am respecting most because in this tournament this are the team that don't have a lot of goal against from their opponent but them do score for them to move forward. Oh no their defense is very very okay if a did not mistake it
Congratulations to Italy, was not so easy beating Belgium but they did it.
I will look in forward for there game against Spain in the Semi finals.