Italian National Team Defender Talks about Upcoming Match against Belgium

DBasia.news – Italy defender Francesco Acerbi spoke about his team’s meeting against Belgium in the Euro 2020 quarter-finals. Gli Azzurri – Italy’s nickname – will play Belgium at the Allianz Arena, Saturday (03/07).

Italy are unbeaten in 31 matches and have only conceded one goal against Austria. Before their goal was conceded by Austria, Italy had a record 1,168 minutes without conceding a goal and beat the records in 1972 and 1974.

Italy’s strong defense will be tested by Belgium, who is ranked first in the FIFA rankings. Italy has met Belgium four times in major tournaments and Italy has never lost (three wins and one draw).

One of the threats from the Belgian attack line for the Italian defense is Romelu Lukaku. The 28-year-old striker already knows Italian football culture after two years at Inter Milan.

Acerbi, who defends Lazio, knows very well the characteristics of Lukaku’s game, which relies on physicality. No doubt he emphasized the importance of playing collectivity to stop it.

“You stop Lukaku by defending as a team, that’s how you stop individuals,” Acerbi told UEFA’s official website.

“He is a fantastic striker, he makes the difference in Serie A, he makes the difference in a Belgian team that has Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and many other incredible talents.”

“Lukaku is the type of striker you always watch out for. We’ve faced him, but we know that if you give him half chances, he will score.”

“The group, the squad will be decisive in this match, and it will be difficult for Italy, but I can assure you that Belgium will also have a difficult time.”

Acerbi has killed Lukaku on three of the four occasions the two have dueled, but in one match Lukaku scored twice against Lazio. Acerbi judged that because he played wide.

Although wary of Lukaku, Acerbi underlined the importance of collective play and made an analogy with Lionel Messi’s situation in the Argentine national team.

“Yes, but in that game I had a wider role than usual because Stefan Radu was injured. We managed to neutralize it with Lazio and we will try to do the same with Italy,” added Acerbi.

“If all the players give everything and we work in the same direction, ready to step up and cover if someone makes a mistake, that’s what teamwork is all about.”

“Nobody is perfect, you can’t win a trophy alone, otherwise Lionel Messi will lift the World Cup with Argentina. Knowing that if something goes wrong, they support you, or I support you, that’s what gets you going in the tournament.” the former AC Milan defender.