BELGIUM vs ITALY HEAD-TO-HEAD

Belgiums’s only competitive victory against Italy dates back to the quarter-finals of the 1972 European Championships where they were 2-1 aggregate winners (the ties then were two-legged).

Belgium coach Marc Wilmots & Italy coach Antonio Conte were both playing when the teams met in the group stages of Euro 2000. Italy beat hosts Belgium 2-0 in that game.

Their latest match (Nov 2015) saw Belgium emerge 3-1 winners.

18 goals have been scored in the last 5 encounters between these two teams.

BELGIUM

This is the first time Belgium have qualified for the European Championships since 1984. They did not have to qualify for 2000 edition because they were the host nation.

They made it to the Euro final in 1980 but lost by 2-1 to West Germany.

Their last seven European Championship games have resulted in five losses.

Belgium though have won their last two opening games at the European Championships – against Sweden in 2000 & against Yugoslavia in 1984.

ITALY

Italy were European champions in 1986. They made two finals since then – 2000 & 2012 – but lost both.

After failing to qualify for the Euros in 1992, Italy have been part of six successive European Championships.

Barring Euro 1996 & Euro 2004, Italy have always made it past the group stages of the tournament.

Italy were one of the four undefeated nation in the qualifying stages of the tournament – 7 wins, 3 draws.

Italy’s 15 draws in European Championships is the highest for any country in the tournament’s history. Their 8 goalless draws is also the highest for any team in the Euros.