TheCable

Italy qualified for the semi-final stage of the European championship following a 2-1 win over Belgium at the Olympic stadium in Munich on Friday night.

The Azzurris, in their fourth consecutive European championship quarter-final, defeated a Belgium team, presumed favourites of the tournament, thanks to goals from Nicolo Barella and Lorenzo Insigne.

Romelu Lukaku scored a penalty that proved consolatory as Belgium missed Eden Hazard, their injured captain, and struggled with a half-fit Kevin de Bruyne.

Italy are now unbeaten in a record-extending 32 matches and have also won 13 straight games, another national record.

The highly entertaining encounter started with chances for both sides but it was the Italians who broke the deadlock on 31 minutes.

A poor clearance from the defence saw the ball played to Barella in the box and the crafty midfielder found space between three hesitant defenders before finding the far corner with a well-placed shot.

Roberto Mancini’s men doubled their advantage two minutes before the interval with a contender for goal of the tournament from Insigne.

The Napoli forward collected a pass in the midfield and dribbled past Youri Tielemans before fizzing a curling shot into the top corner.

Lukaku halved the deficit on the stroke of halftime from the spot, converting a penalty kick awarded for Govanni Di Lorenzo’s shove on Jeremy Doku to make it 2-1 at the interval.

The high tempo match continued in the second period but Belgium could not find the equalizer despite a gilt-edged Lukaku opportunity and near-miss from Doku.

Italy will play Spain, Euro 2008 and 2012 winners, who scrambled into the last four courtesy of victory over ten-men Switzerland on penalties after a 1-1 scoreline after extra time.

RESULTS

• Switzerland 1-1 Spain (Spain triumph 3-1 on penalties)
• Belgium 1-2 Italy