It's been billed as one of the most anticipated matches of UEFA Euro 2016. On Monday, Belgium will take on Italy nearly exactly 16 years to the day they clashed at Euro 2000 - in a match that will be very familiar to current managers Marc Wilmots and Antonio Conte. However, this time around, Les Diables Rouges (the Red Devils) will be hoping to get the better of the Azzurri after being defeated 2-0 at this same juncture over a decade ago.
Belgium
After over a decade in the international wilderness, Belgium have now made a return to the fold. The Red Devils are featuring in their first Euro tournament since 2000, and considering they are ranked as the no. 2 side in the world, they will be expected to prove themselves as serious contenders at this tournament. Although they made it to the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup, the Red Devils were not immune to criticism, and with the star-studded squad they boast, Wilmots's side are rightfully viewed as dark horses to take the trophy home.
Eden Hazard and Radja Nainggolan are among the stars Belgium boast in their impressive roster for this tournament
However, they have been robbed of one of their strongest assets - captain Vincent Kompany. Manchester City fans are certainly well aware of the leadership and security the 30-year-old provides in the center of defense, and his absence due to injury will be sorely missed.
Offensively, the players they have available in their roster would make most sides green with envy, with names like Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, and Kevin De Bruyne, all very familiar to to Premier League fans due to their exploits with Chelsea, Everton, and Manchester City respectively.
Belgium have been placed in a tricky group, with Euro 2012 finalists Italy, Zlatan Ibrahimovic's Sweden, and the Republic of Ireland for company. On Sunday, they will first take on the Azzurri - a side that they have not tasted victory against in over 40 years - and it will be a very interesting match indeed for both managers.
Italy
Since winning the World Cup in 2006, Italy have experienced a series of highs and lows. In 2010, they suffered embarrassment in South Africa, but rebounded by making a run to the final in Euro 2012. Two years ago, however, they again performed poorly in Brazil, leaving many to wonder what to expect from Antonio Conte's side at this tournament.
Since arriving from Juventus, Conte has overseen the team through a solid qualifying campaign that saw them top their group. Yet there still remain doubts about this Azzurri side, especially considering the numerous absences in the middle of the park. Both Marco Verratti and Claudio Marchisio are out due to injury, whilst Conte opted to snub midfield maestro Andrea Pirlo following the 2006 World Cup winner's move to MLS.
Italy's strike options also have raised some serious concerns among supporters, especially considering that their top goalscorer, Graziano Pelle has just five goals and 13 caps to his name. However, the 30-year-old is coming off a good season with Southampton, has been also overall solid in his performances for the national side, and strength and power could cause some problems for teams with suspect back-lines.
Italy will be relying on the collective, as opposed to individual stars during this Euro competition
Although their offense may not be setting the pitch alight, Italy do boast one of the best defensive backlines in Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, and Andrea Barzagli. And behind them will be Gianluigi Buffon, who despite his advancing years, is still regarded as one of the top shot-stoppers in the business. All four were part of the Euro 2012 squad and have played a vital role in Juventus remaining as the top side in Italy.
Will either side come out on top on Monday? Or will they end up cancelling each other out?
Which channel is broadcasting Belgium vs Italy on TV or Online?
Not able to make it to the Stade de Lyon to catch Belgium vs Italy live? No problem. LiveSoccerTV.com has put together plenty of options to tune in via TV, computer, phone, or tablet.
Here are some choices for fans elsewhere in France and in the following countries:
- In the USA at 15.00 EST on: ESPN, ESPN Deportes TV, ESPN3 USA, WATCH ESPN
- In Belgium at 21.00 CET on: Één, La Une, RTBF Auvio Direct, Sporza Live Streaming
- In Italy at 21.00 CET on: SKY Go Italia, Sky Sport 1 HD Italia, RSI La 2, RAI Uno
- In France at 21.00 CET on: beIN Sports 1, M6, beIN Sports 2, beIN SPORTS CONNECT France
- In the UK at 20.00 BST on: BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC One UK
- In Canada at 15.00 ET on: TSN4, TSN Radio 1040 | 1410 Vancouver, RDS, TSN5, TSN3, TSN1
Live elsewhere? Check out our special Belgium vs Italy broadcast page for viewing times and options for your current location.
*Note: Live broadcast data is subject to change*
Belgium vs Italy - Did you know?
- Italy have not won their opening Euro game since beating Turkey 2-1 at Euro 2000. Since then, they've lost two and drawn once
- Belgium's last competitive win over Italy was in May 1972
- Current coaches Marc Wilmots and Antonio Conte were playing for Belgium and Italy respectively during their Euro 2000 meeting
- Italy currently have the longest unbeaten run in Euro qualifiers - they've gone 30 games sans a loss
- Conte's men were one of four teams, including Austria, England, and Romania to complete their qualifying campaign without a defeat
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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