Belgium vs. Italy Betting Odds Preview, Euro 2016 Prediction

Belgium return to the Euro for the first time since 2000 and enter their Group E matchup against Italy as slim +155 betting favorites. Fresh off a pair of clean sheet victories in pre-tournament action, Italy begin their drive towards their first Euro crown since 1968 as betting underdogs at sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark.

Match Odds: Belgium +155, Italy +210, Draw +205 (Matchup Report)

Belgium will be looking to continue their European soccer renaissance as they kick off Euro 2016 as narrow betting favorites to finish atop what is widely considered this tournament's Group of Death.

Les Diables Rouges sputtered early on in Euro qualifying, including a stunning 1-0 loss to Wales, but righted the ship in time to dominate in their final four qualification matches. In the end, they claimed top spot in their qualification group and earned a coveted spot in Pot 1 of the Euro 2016 draw.

But with a less-than-favorable draw that also leaves them grouped with Sweden and Ireland, the squad's matchup with Italy takes on even greater importance.

Belgium made a splash two years ago at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, reaching the quarterfinals after failing to qualify in the previous two world championships.

The club has demonstrated consistency since their World Cup run, winning 13 of 18 contests, often in spectacular fashion. They scored three or more times in nine of those victories while suffering just a pair of losses, adding a 2-1 loss to Portugal in a March friendly to their clean sheet loss to Wales.

Runners-up at Euro 2012, Italy will be looking to rebound from a dismal performance at the 2014 World Cup when they got bounced in the group stage for a second straight time.

Italy went undefeated in Euro 2012, qualifying with a 7-3-0 record, but they were edged by Belgium for a spot in Pot 1 in this year's tournament draw, setting the stage for Monday's group stage matchup.

Gli Azzurri have produced middling results overall in the past 12 months, picking up wins in just six of their past 12 outings, but enter the tournament on a high following a 1-0 victory over Scotland and a 2-0 win over Finland in two pre-tournament contests.

The side is unbeaten in their past two dates with Belgium at the Euro. However, they will be looking to avenge a 3-1 loss to the Belgians in a friendly last November that dropped their record to 2-3-2 in their past seven meetings overall.

Belgium vs. Italy Prediction: 2-1 Belgium

All betting lines data courtesy of Odds Shark. Check out the latest Euro 2016 news.