Belgium 1 - 2 Italy | Euro 2020, Quarter Final | 02.07.21

Italy triumph 2-1 over Belgium in a thrilling game in Munich. The tie played at breakneck speed displayed the exceptional quality of the two form sides left in the competition. Mancini's men took what turned out to be an insurmountable advantage with goals from Barella and Insigne. Lukaku swiftly hit back before the break, but it's the Azzurri who did enough to extend their historic unbeaten run and advance to Tuesday's semi-final against Spain.

The heavyweight clash started with real intensity. Italy's now trademark quick, menacing, one, and two touch passing play was on display from the first whistle. The Belgians, energised by the warning shot that was Italy's disallowed goal, enjoyed a series of attacks, culminating in De Bruyne's fierce drive that Donnarumma wonderfully saved.

Both sides traded blows, their elite stoppers forced into action several times before Barella weaved through Belgium's congested defence and struck past Courtois for the lead. The second followed shortly after, Insigne's dart inside preceded a gorgeous curling effort from 25 yards, but only a minute later, against the run of play, Lukaku halved the Belgium deficit from the spot after Di Lorenzo upended Doku on the stroke of halftime.

At times reminiscent of an NBA back and forth, the second half provided both sides ample opportunities to score. Chiesa, Doku, Spinazzola, and most agonisingly, for Belgium at least, Lukaku, all went close, but none could register that crucial next goal. Belgium threw everything at Italy in the closing stages, desperate for a leveller, but the Italian rearguard held firm for an outstanding win.