Euro 2016: Italy vs Belgium - 5 players to look out for
Euro 2016 has so far witnessed some exciting matches and is only hours away before the most anticipated group game of the tournament commences. The match is the opening game of Group E between Euro 1968 winners Italy and Belgium, one of the tournament’s favorites. The teams last met at a major competition in Euro 2000 where Italy comprehensively beat Belgium 2-0.
However, in their most recent meeting at Brussels last November, Belgium convincingly beat the Azzurri 3-1. Both sides will be without some of their key players as Belgium are missing Vincent Kompany and Italy will take the field without the services of Claudio Marchisio in midfield.
Given the current form of both teams, the match is expected to be a nail biting encounter. Let’s take a look at some of the players to look out for in the match which will probably decide the winner of Group E.
#1 Eden Hazard
A lot of eyes will be on Belgium’s talisman Eden Hazard who will be leading the Red Devils in the absence of an injured Vincent Kompany. Hazard, who has been regarded as one of the best players in the world is yet to make his mark for Belgium at a major tournament as he wasn’t at his best at the World Cup two summers ago.
Hazard had an overall disappointing season for Chelsea before showing a sparkle of his full potential at the fag end of the season. For the national team, however, Hazard has been in decent form and will hope to carry that form in the Euros. A lot of Belgium’s hopes will be shouldered by Hazard especially with Kompany missing the tournament.