Xtra Time Web Desk: A stunning strike from Lorenzo Insigne in the first half saw Italy beat World No 1 Belgium 2-1 in the quarter finals of the EU20 2020 quarter finals at the Allianz Arena on Friday night. Nicolo Borella scored the other goal for the Italians. Romulu Lukaku pulled one back for Belgium towards the end of first half. The win saw Roberto Mancini’s side make it to the last four stages where they will meet Spain at Wembley next Tuesday.
The match started at a breathtaking pace. Leonardo Bonucci flicked a Lorenzo Insigne cross in the 13th minute to give the Italians the lead but the goal was disallowed after VAR check. Belgium came close to taking the lead as Gianluigi Donnarumma made an acrobatic save from Kevin de Bryune. Italy finally took the lead in the 31st minute through Nicolo Borella. Lorenzo Insigne scored a stunning goal in the 44th minute to see the Azzurris extend the lead. There was drama right at the stroke of half time as Jeremy Doku was pushed inside the bow by Giovanni Di Lorenzo for the referee to immediately signal a penalty. Italian protested the decision but replays showed it was the right decision. Romelu Lukaku made no mistake from the spot kick to reduce the margin. It was Lukaku’s 4th goal in as many matches in EURO 2020.
Belgium came close to scoring the equalizer as Romelu Lukaku’s push from a Kevin de Bryune cross was saved by Spinazzola in the second half. The Belgians did try hard to score but the Italians were brilliant in defence. It was the sixth time the Azzurri’s have qualified for the semi finals of the European Championship.