#360fans: Belgium vs Italy – Euro 2016 Group E UAE supporters preview

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  • Who will win between Belgium and Italy?

    Ahead of their Group A clash in Lyon on Monday, Italy and Belgium UAE-based fans give their verdict on the game.

    To gain an insight into the mindset of the fans we asked UAE fans to share with us their predictions, likely line-ups and players to watch.

    Do you agree or have they missed the mark? Use #360Fans to share with us your thoughts.

    BELGIUM – Herwig Devolder (Freight Forwarder, Dubai)

    Although Belgium are among the favourites to win Euro 2016, we are certainly not without problems going into the tournament. The defence is a real concern – there is a big Vincent Kompany-shaped hole at the back. Hopefully, Marc Wilmots opts for Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen in the middle rather than Thomas Vermaelen, who has hardly played this season for Barcelona.

    Further forward, it seems Wilmots will start with Marouane Fellaini in the No. 10 role with Kevin de Bruyne on the wing. Wilmots was guilty of being overly cautious at the World Cup two years ago and sadly it seems that he is doing the same this time.

    Still, Belgium have plenty of individual match-winners on the field and on the bench – Italy will of coruse be defensive and hopefully one of our stars will step up and make a decisive intervention.

    PREDICTION: Italy 1-1 Belgium

    LIKELY BELGIUM XI: Courtois; Ciman, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, J. Lukaku; Hazard, Nainggolan, Witsel, De Bruyne. Fellaini, R. Lukaku

    BELGIUM PLAYER TO WATCH: Yannick Carrasco. He probably won’t start but the Atletico Madrid would be a great impact player to come off the bench. With his dribbling skills he could hurt a tiring Italy side.

    ITALY PLAYER TO FEAR: Simone Zaza. I think he’s a really great attacker on the back of a good season with Juventus. Our defence has problems and he has the ability to take advantage.

    WHERE TO WATCH THE GAME: Belgian Beer Café in Souk Madinat.

    ITALY – Colins Scicluna (Teacher, Dubai)

    This is Italy’s toughest match. They are by no means favourites and as we know they enter this game with a string of important absences. The biggest gaps are in the middle of the field with Marco Verratti and Claudio Marchisio out due to injury. I really think this was Verrati’s time to shine – such a shame for the PSG man.

    Our final friendly brought a convincing win against Finland with goals from Antonio Candreva and Daniele De Rossi, with the former looking in good form. In terms of selection, the defence is a foregone conclusion. Antonio Conte will have Gianluigi Buffon between the sticks with the Juventus trio of Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli in front.

    It is in the middle that things get tricky. Conte wants a high pressing game and a hard-working midfield. Candreva and Stephan El Shaarawy will take the wings with Marco Parolo and Emanuele Giaccherini hopefully creating some magic in the middle.  It is the fifth member of the midfield that is a concern with Thiago Motta wearing the No. 10.  He is there to stop Eden Hazard & Co getting time on the ball – it could be a stroke of genius or the biggest moment of madness since Roberto Baggio chopped off his ponytail.

    LIKELY ITALY XI: Buffon, Chiellini, Bonucci, Barzagli, Candreva, Giaccherini, Motta, Parolo, El Shaarawy, Pelle, Immobile

    PREDICTION: Italy 1-1 Belgium

    ITALY PLAYER TO WATCH: Antonio Candreva – It pains me to say it as a Roma fan, but the Lazio midfielder is emerging as Italy’s most in-form player.

    BELGIUM PLAYER TO FEAR: Eden Hazard – He may have had an indifferent season but he hasn’t just lost his talent overnight. We need to win the ball in midfield and close him down. Over to you Motta!

    WHERE TO WATCH: Pulcinella’s Pizzeria is first choice but for those who need a house beverage then its Barasti stadium.

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