Belgium U21 vs. Italy U21 Betting Tip, Prediction & Odds
Round 3 of the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship Group A starts with a tilt between massive favourites Italy and already eliminated Belgium.
Belgium U21 vs. Italy U21
- UEFA European Under-21 Championship
- Mapei Stadium – Città del Tricolore, Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Saturday 22 June
- 20:00 UK Time
Belgium U21 vs. Italy U21 Game Preview
The Red Devils are already eliminated after suffering late 2 -1 defeat to Spain but they will try to record their first points at the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship and possibly spoil the party to hosts Italy. The Italians missed a ton of chances against Poland and were punished for it and now they cannot afford to drop points here as three points are imperative.
Belgium U21 Team News and Latest Form
Belgium’s European Championship campaign is over following two straight defeats to 3-2 Poland and Spain. Johan Walem’s men created far more opportunities against Poland (18-6), but despite Aaron Leya Iseka’s early goal, they found themselves 3-1 behind before Dion Cools’ late goal.
Belgium found it hard to play against much better and technically dominant Spain and were largely outplayed, but Sebastiaan Bornauw’s equaliser gave the Belgians a hope they can snatch a point. However, Pablo Fornals scored a late goal for La Furia Roja and Belgium were left empty-handed.
Bornauw replaced Elias Cobbaut in central defence against the Spaniards with Casper de Norre moving to left-back. Bornauw displayed an impressive performance and should continue to play alongside Wout Faes in the heart of the defence.
Head coach Johan Walem will definitely consider making a few changes for this match as they have nothing to lose, so expect to see Aaron Leya Iseka and Francis Amuzu to feature up front and Dodi Lukebakio play a key role from behind.
After winning nine consecutive games, Belgium are now without a victory in five straight and they suffered four defeats in a row, conceding at least two goals in each. Still, they managed to hit the net in 14 of their last 15 matches, which is an encouraging sign for Walem when his team faces Italy.
Italy U21 Team News and Latest Form
Following a big win over Spain in their opening match of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship, the Italians disappointed in a 1-0 loss to Poland. Despite having 65% possession and way more shots (31-8), Luigi Di Biagio’s men were unable to penetrate through a sturdy Poland defence while woodwork also saved the Poles on one occasion.
Three points here are imperative for Italy and Di Biagio will likely make some changes in starting eleven. Juventus wonderkid Moise Kean should replace uninspiring Patrick Cutrone in the attack while winger Riccardo Orsolini’s place is under threat after a poor display against Poland. In the defence, right-back Arturo Calabresi will likely step in instead of Claud Adjapong.
Italy managed to keep their net intact in just two of the previous 12 games and their defence made a couple of mistakes against Poland, one of which cost them a goal. Federico Chiesa has the ability to create something out of nothing on the other end and the Italians will surely hit the net here but the defence remains a problem for Di Biagio.
Belgium U21 vs. Italy U21 Head to Head
Belgium and Italy have met on four occasions since 2008 and the Red Devils have a 3-1 lead in H2H encounters. They won the latest clash, 1-0, back in a friendly game in October 2018 when Francis Amuzu scored a late goal at Dacia Arena.
Belgium U21 vs. Italy U21 Betting Tip
Italy must get three points from this tilt but the bookies keep them at low 1/3 odds to win and we witnessed that their defence can be rather leaky and error-prone, so our bet is Italy to win and both teams to score at 13/8 with 22Bet. Belgium is quite dangerous in the attack and they will surely get a few opportunities to score, especially on the counter and that’s why this bet is more appealing than backing Italy at 1/3 odds.
