Italy vs Belgium Women's EURO preview: Where to watch, kick-off time, predicted line-ups

Italy meet Belgium at Manchester City Academy Stadium in UEFA Women's EURO 2022 Group D on Monday 18 July.

Where to watch Italy vs Belgium on TV

Fans can find their local UEFA Women's EURO 2022 broadcast partner(s) here.

What do you need to know?

With both sides having drawn with Iceland and lost to France, the Azzurre and the Red Flames know the winners of this game could reach the last eight provided Iceland do not beat Group D winners France. Belgium are without suspended Amber Tysiak, and goalkeeper Nicky Evrard will be hoping for a quieter game after saving penalties in her side's first two matches. Italy went through the mangle against France before coming from behind to hold Iceland, and will need to show mental strength again if they are to have a chance of progressing.

Starting line-ups

Italy: Giuliani; Di Guglielmo, Bartoli, Linari, Boattin; Bergamaschi, Simonetti, Rosucci, Giugliano; Bonansea, Girelli

Belgium: Evrard; Vangheluwe, Kees, Biesmans, Philtjens; Cayman, Vanhaevermaet, De Caigny; Dhont, Eurlings, Wullaert
Suspended: Tysiak

Reporters' views

Vieri Capretta, Italy reporter

The Azzurre come into this final game knowing they need a win and the right result from the other Group D match to make it to the next stage. Coach Milena Bertolini is likely to use the same tactics we saw against Iceland, when the pace of Barbara Bonansea and the talent on the Italian bench earned them a point. Every player, on or off the field, has a role to play and Italy need everyone to be on their game. Expect a fierce battle for the three points.

Alyssa Saliou, Belgium reporter

France are the only team that already knows what awaits them after the final round of Group D games; only one side out of Belgium, Italy and Iceland will join them. Given how much is riding on this match, it's hard to imagine that this is going to be easy for either team. Both are technically very strong, and it may come down to who can handle the pressure the best, or whether Italy can stifle Red Flames target woman Tine De Caigny and canny multi-purpose forward Janice Cayman.

Form guide

Italy
Last six games: DLDWWD (most recent first)
Last match: Italy 1-1 Iceland, 14/07
Women's EURO 2017: fourth in Group B (W1 D0 L2)

Belgium
Last six games: LDWLWL (most recent first)
Last match: France 2-1 Belgium, 14/07
Women's EURO 2017: third in Group A (W1 D0 L2)

View from the camps

Milena Bertolini, Italy coach: "It's not the most important night of our careers, we had some big nights at the World Cup, but it's an important night. It's a decisive game. We've improved in the past five years, it's been a great path, making us more respected on the international stage. Belgium have a lot of qualities. First of all, they have several experienced players. They have quality on the ball and physicality. Like any team, they have some weaknesses."

Sara Gama, Italy captain: "We need quality to beat Belgium, keeping the ball on the floor and playing differently compared to the first game against France. We conceded goals from some mistakes we made, and we've been working on them to improve."

Ives Serneels, Belgium coach: "We can really start in this tournament. It will be a historic day for Belgian women's football. And I'm going to be honest, if we don't qualify to the next round I will be very disappointed."

Laura De Neve, Belgium defender: "The will to win will make the difference, not the tactical aspect or our physical ability. We are hungry for the win. It is a big game for Belgian women's football as well. We can make history if we qualify. We have grown in this tournament and I hope we'll get that confirmed."