In the most anticipated clash of the quarter finals, Italy and Belgium delivered yet another thrilling battle in Euro 2020. After some back and forth action in the first half, the Azzurri found the lead through Nicolò Barella, and Lorenzo Insigne added the second with a brilliant curling effort. Nonetheless, a dubious penalty kick converted by Romelu Lukaku maintained hope for the Red Devils. However, Roberto Martinez’s men weren’t able to find the equalizer as the Italians held on to a 2-1 victory.
So let’s check out the player ratings for the Italian players following their historic victory over Belgium.
Italy XI
Gianluigi Donnarumma – 8.5
On Friday night, the former Milan man was simply amazing. Pulled off one of the best saves in tournament on de Bruyne’s shot, before denying Lukaku’s low drill. His impressive form continued in the second half, whilst frustrating the Belgians by slowing the tempo.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 6.5
The Napoli man largely did well to limit the danger of the impressive Jérémy Doku, but will eventually be remembered for giving away a penalty kick.
Leonardo Bonucci – 7.5
Another solid performance from the 34-year-old who helped Chiellini in limiting Lukaku’s threat, whilst also distributing the ball from the back. Thought to have opened the scoring early on, but was denied by VAR due to Di Lorenzo’s minimal ball-contact.
Giorgio Chiellini – 8.5
A colossal performance from the ageless captain who returned from injury just in time to lead the Azzurri’s backline against the terrifying Belgium attack. Chased Lukaku all over the pitch to make sure that the latter wasn’t going to receive the ball with comfort.
Leonardo Spinazzola – 7
The Roma fullback ran too much for his own good, as he ended up leaving the pitch heartbroken while being carried on a stretcher as he broke his Achilles tendon while attempting to make a sprint late in the match. Was always present to support the attacks, but his most vital contribution was blocking Lukaku’s close-range shot.
Nicolò Barella – 8
An Inter player broke the deadlock, and it wasn’t Romelu Lukaku! The midfielder delivered his best performance so far in the tournament, and showcased his marvelous box-to-box credentials by breaking his way into the Belgium penalty box, and leaving no chance for Thibaut Courtois.
Jorginho – 7.5
The Chelsea man might be one of the most under-appreciated midfielders in the world, as his fabulous work on all phases can go unnoticed at times. Controlled the middle of the park, and made some vital interceptions to win the ball back for Italy.
Marco Verratti – 7
The PSG star had a slow start to the match, before helping the Azzurri in dominating the process. Picked up a loose ball and immediately provided the assist for the opening goal.
Federico Chiesa – 6.5
The Juventus winger almost found the back of the net with a long-range shot. Even though he didn’t provide a goal this time, his willingness to work hard and run at the defense renders him a unique player for Mancini.
Ciro Immobile – 5.5
A disappointing performance from the Lazio striker. Although he worked hard on the pressing game, his unwillingness to pass the ball saw him repeatedly beaten by the Belgian defenders.
Lorenzo Insigne – 8
While Serie A fans are accustomed to the Neapolitan’s magnificent curlers to the far corner, the rest of the world was left in awe as he scored the second goal of the night. Threatened Courtois on other occasions, and delivered a brilliant ball to Spinazzola.
Italy Substitutes
Andrea Belotti – N/A
Bryan Cristante – N/A
Domenico Berardi – N/A
Emerson Palmieri – N/A
Rafael Toloi – N/A
15 – Italy have set a new record of consecutive wins for a single side among the European Championship qualifiers and finals: 15. Highway.#ITA #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/83QxpCzriu
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) July 2, 2021