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Monday’s action concludes with Belgium and Italy at Stade de Lyon, it what is possibly the best matchup of the entire group stage.
Italy were runners-up at Euro 2012 and Belgium are second in FIFA’s world rankings.
The spread is even for today’s matchup, but Belgium is favored according to Vegas. Bovada has Italy +125 for their opening game, but OddsShark has betting sites going as high as +200. Belgium is -150 for the spread, and +145 for the moneyline. Italy and the draw are both valued at +210.
The Over/Under is set at 2, with both picks valued at -110.
Belgium are dealing with injuries heading into Euro, including a late knock to Eden Hazard. The Chelsea midfielder was stepped on during the team’s training session on Friday, but he is expected to start against the Azzurri.
Hazard will face a tough back line in Italy, followed by legend Gianluigi Buffon in goal. Italy went unbeaten in Euro qualifying, going 7-3-0 heading into the tournament.
Despite the record, Italy scored just 16 goals in those 10 matches. If Italy can find a way to score two goals against Belgium, that should be enough to secure the victory. Unfortunately this is the first game of a major tournament, and both managers will likely be content with not losing rather than winning.
Heavy’s Pick: Italy 1 Belgium 1. Push.
Find out how to watch this game in Spanish at AhoraMismo.com
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Belgium vs. Italy: Betting Odds & Prediction