Tielemans & Praet In Action As Belgium Exit EURO 2020
- Belgium exit UEFA EURO 2020 after a 2-1 defeat by Italy in the quarter-finals
- Youri Tielemans started for the Belgian Red Devils at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany
- Leicester City team-mate Dennis Praet was introduced from the bench in the second half
- Kasper Schmeichel's Denmark face Czech Republic at Baku Olympic Stadium on Saturday
The Belgian Red Devils went into the clash after winning Group B with victories over Russia, Denmark and Finland, before also overcoming EURO holders Portugal in the Round of 16.
Tielemans started for the fourth time this summer as Belgium, ranked no.1 in the world, faced Gli Azzurri knowing three-time winners Spain awaited the victors in the last four. Praet, meanwhile, was named on the substitutes bench by former manager Everton manager Roberto Martínez.
After already having a goal disallowed by VAR, Italy went ahead shortly after the half-hour mark as Marco Verratti fed Nicolò Barella to beat Thibaut Courtois, before a sublime individual strike from Lorenzo Insigne made it 2-0 in the 44th minute.
There was hope for the Belgians before the break, though, as Romelu Lukaku stepped up to riffle a penalty down the middle, with Gianluigi Donnarumma diving to his right. On 60 minutes, a major chance passed Lukaku by as his effort was blocked by Leonardo Spinazzola from close range.
Tielemans would be replaced by Dries Mertens with just over minutes 20 remaining after making his 66th appearance of the 2020/21 season for club and country. Praet, however, would shortly be introduced, to make his second appearance of the tournament, but Italy would hold on for the victory.
On Saturday, Leicester's representation continues as Kasper Schmeichel and Denmark come up against Czech Republic at Baku Olympic Stadium in Azerbaijan (5pm BST kick-off) hoping to set up a semi-final tie against either England or Ukraine next Wednesday night.
Check back to LCFC.com over the weekend for reaction as Schmeichel looks to earn his 70th cap.