MATCH THREAD: Group E - Belgium vs Italy - KO 20:00 (BBC)

[ijjysmith]

vs

Belgium captain Eden Hazard limped out of training after being trodden on but is expected to be fit to face Italy.

Defensive quartet Vincent Kompany, Nicolas Lombaerts, Bjorn Engels and Dedryck Boyata have all been ruled out of Euro 2016 through injury.

Italy may start with Antonio Candreva and Stephan El Shaarawy as attacking wing-backs.

Midfielders Riccardo Montolivo, Claudio Marchisio and Marco Verratti were not included in the squad due to injuries.
Belgium's much-heralded "golden generation" against Italy, runners-up at Euro 2012, is arguably the most mouth-watering match of the group stage.

Both squads include household names, Champions League winners and, in Italy's case, world champions - the ideal fixture to introduce Lyon's new 59,000-capacity Stade de Lyon to international football. The venue opened in January and will host six Euro 2016 games, including the first semi-final.

Many people expect this talented Belgium side to at least reach the semi-finals. Yet their injury-hit defence is a concern.

It's the complete opposite story for Italy, whose strength remains their defence. Incoming Chelsea boss Antonio Conte's side scored just 16 goals in 10 qualifiers, with Southampton's Graziano Pelle top scoring with three goals.

 

[marsh]

I like these match threads. Come on Romelu Lukaku

 

[The T-Dex]

I like the way they get called an injury hit defense, yet still have Vertonghen, Vermaelen, and Alderwield. Great depth.

 

[Eggs]

I like these match threads. Come on Romelu Lukaku

.....be interesting how he copes with traditionally top class defenders.

 

[Mikey_Fitzgerald]

Hopefully this one's a barnstomper!

 

[Librarian]

Hopefully this one's a barnstomper!

 

[Zezti]

Think Italy might win this.

 

[gaino92]

Who thought it was a good idea to have Ferdinand as a pundit!! The guy is a downright idiot

 

[JAYTALITY]

Come on Lukaku do the Toffees proud.

 

[Groucho]

Should be good this one.

 

[harris78]

Loving Buffon's singing of the national anthem, there is a man full of pride for his nation.

 

[harris78]

i reckon game of the tournament so far, 2-2 draw

 

[ToffeeDoug]

Come on Lukaku do the Toffees proud.

If he plays well he will be doing it for himself and his potential suitors.

 

[ToffeeDoug]

The guy next to Fellaini in the line up for the anthem has clearly escaped from San Quentin state penitentiary.

 

[The Mighty Quint]

Don't make a show of us Clattenblert, the whole world is watching.