CLASH OF TITANS

Belgium and Italy, two continental heavyweights, face off tonight in arguably the glamour tie of the Euro 2020 quarter-final line-up.

Belgium, currently ranked the world's number one side, have peaked at just the right time under Roberto Martinez and Euro 2020 could represent one of their Golden Generation's last shots at glory. The Red Devils edged Portugal to a 1-0 victory in their previous game and will have to be equally robust in this match.

Italy were given a run for their money against Austria last week and do have a few issues to resolve ahead of this game. The Azzurri are on an exceptional record 31 games winning streak at the moment and have a point to prove against Belgium.

Belgium have now won each of their last 14 matches throughout the qualifiers and these finals; equalling the record set by Germany and last-eight opponents Italy. That mark must fall in Bavaria, as both nations seek a 15th successive victory in the competition - after following a perfect streak in qualifying with four wins from four so far.

In all, the Red Devils have also scored in every one of their last 34 games, while winning 23 of their last 27. Such form, befitting the top-ranked nation in the world, saw them dominate Group B - with a 3-0 success against Russia being followed by comeback victory versus an emotional Denmark and then a regulation win over debutants Finland.

Amongst the scorers in that group-stage stroll was Golden Boot-contender Romelu Lukaku, who Italy midfielder Matteo Pessina this week described as "the best striker in the world", and the Inter forward's strike against Finland was a record-extending 63rd for his country. Lukaku leads the line for the most experienced squad at these Euros; a group which contains five players with 100 caps or more - 15 of whom played at Euro 2016, while 18 featured at the last World Cup.

After a 12th win in a row last time out, this current Italy squad - who cruised through as winners of Group A - are facing growing expectation that they can lift the trophy for the first time since triumphing on home soil at the 1968 event. The Azzurri have been runners-up twice in the intervening years - in both 2000 and 2012 - but to even reach this year's decider, Mancini's men must first beat Belgium, then either Switzerland or Spain in the semi-finals.