Belgium vs. Italy Prediction: Euro 2020 Bettings Odds

Andrew Rogers
June 30, 2021

Neither team had an easy path to the quarterfinals, but Belgium and Italy persevered. They will now face off Friday with a berth in the European Championship semifinals at stake. The Belgians escaped with a 1-0 victory over Portugal in Round of 16 action thanks to a goal from Thorgan Hazard. The Italians are favoured to win on the soccer odds after needing a pair of extra-time goals to steal a 2-1 victory over Austria.

Belgium vs. Italy Betting Odds

The Italians come in as the +132 favourites, though the difference in odds between the clubs is quite small. Belgium is installed at +194, with the 90-minute draw also in play at +225. Both sides rolled through their respective groups, going a combined 6-0 with 14 goals scored and only one goal surrendered. And while things became tricky for both sides in the knockout round, they’re still among the tournament faves. Italy is +392 to win it all and Belgium is +686.

With both teams showing impressive defensive chops (allowing one goal each through their first four games), it comes as no surprise to see the Under 2.5 play (-173) carry much lower odds than the O2.5 option (+128). Recent history won’t help much here given that the teams have met just once in the past five years. That game (a 2-0 Italy win) came in below the total. The Italians have also posted seven clean sheets over their past eight Euro matches.

Belgium

If the Belgians advance to the semifinals, it’ll be on the strength of a sensational supporting cast and that’s not necessarily a good thing. Belgium will need several players to step up in the expected absences of Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Simon Mignolet and Timothy Castagne. Look for even more pressure to be placed on the talented shoulders of striker Romelu Lukaku, who has three goals through his team’s first four tournament matches.

Italy

It will be interesting to see what manager Roberto Mancini does with his midfield after narrowly avoiding a Round of 16 loss at the hands of the plucky Austrians. Nicolo Barella’s subpar play, especially in the win over Austria, might force Mancini’s hand, with Matteo Pessina and Manuel Locatelli both expected to see time Friday. Pessina scored the winning goal in the previous match and is an intriguing anytime goal option at +460.