Belgium

Belgium against Italy is the match that should attract the most neutral or casual soccer fans because of the quality of both sides and the talent from the big-five European leagues. It is also the perfect game to use as a reason to get out of work early on Friday at the start of a holiday weekend. Belgium will likely be without two of its best players. Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard both went off injured against Portugal and could miss the quarterfinal against the Azzurri. De Bruyne and Hazard have been vital components of the Belgian attack, but even if they do not play, the Belgians are strong enough to win. Romelu Lukaku recorded his highest single-season club goal total in Serie A last season, where most of Italy's defenders play. Lukaku's experience from playing against center backs Leonardo Bonucci and Francesco Acerbi, as well as other Azzurri stars, could give him the slightest advantage to create additional chances. Lukaku created two shots on target in his lone league matchup versus Bonucci and Juventus. He put two goals and an assist past Acerbi's Lazio in February. Belgium still has Thorgan Hazard, Thomas Meunier and Yannick Carrasco available to set up Lukaku in the final third in the absence of De Bruyne and Eden Hazard. Italy's attackers were a bit disappointing in 90 minutes against a disciplined Austria defense. The Azzurri put six of their 27 shots on target and had an expected goals total of 1.7. Ciro Immobile and Co. are capable of better performances, as we witnessed in the 3-0 win over Switzerland, but it will be somewhat concerning that the Italians weren't more clinical in the win over Austria. Belgium held Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal scoreless in the round of 16, and the back line has conceded just once in the whole tournament (in Matchday 2 against Denmark). Italy needs to work on breaking down an organized defense, and even if it does once, it may come on a rare chance. If Belgium remains strong in the back line and is able to feed Lukaku on a few occasions, it could steal the victory and keep its title hopes alive. Prediction: Belgium 1, Italy 0