Emanuele Giaccherini stole the show as Italy stunned Belgium to seal a 2-0 win in their Euro 2016 opener.
Named Man of the Match following the full-time whistle, Giaccherni was a constant thorn in Belgium’s side and they struggled to get to grips with the Sunderland midfielder who displayed quality, passion and tenacity throughout.
Speaking ahead of the tournament Chelsea-bound manager Antonio Conte urged his side to create a good spirit and work hard after admitting ‘it isn’t a good time for our football’, and the togetherness within the Italy camp was not only evident but ultimately decisive.
Giaccherini opened the scoring with an emphatic finish after timing his run to latch onto Leonardo Bonucci’s defensive-splitting pass, leaving Chelsea ‘keeper Thibaut Courtois with no chance.
Belgium, meanwhile, were disappointing with Romelu Lukaku lacklustre and replacement Divock Origi wasteful.
Italy displayed no such traits slicing through the experienced Belgian defence on countless occasions, and they wrapped up a memorable win in added time as Southampton’s Graziano Pelle volleyed home.
Giaccherini’s side face their second group game on Friday (KO 2pm) when they take on Seb Larsson’s Sweden.