Italy produced a stirring performance to beat Belgium 2-0 in a high-octane clash that lived up to its billing as one of the stand-out fixtures of the group stage.

Sunderland midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini, who spent last season on loan at Bologna, gave the Azzurri the lead when he showed real composure to tuck away his fourth goal for his country just past the half hour after a sensational, raking pass from Leonardo Bonucci.

Belgium may be ranked as the second best side in the FIFA world rankings but their build-up play was far too pedestrian against a vibrant Italian side that caused them all sorts of problems with their high pressing wing backs.

Marc Wilmots threw caution to the wind as the game wore on and the Belgians had big chances through the toothless Romelu Lukaku and substitute Divock Origi, but Italy's rearguard stood firm and Southampton's Graziano Pelle sealed the victory with a thumping volley in stoppage time.

The Red Devils boast a squad brimming with talent but failed to gel as a collective and are now bottom of Group E behind Ireland and Sweden who drew earlier in the day.

It was earmarked as one of the toughest pools when the draw was made and Belgium now have it all to do to live up to the expectation heaped upon them as the so-called 'golden generation'.

Italy don't often go into Euro openers as the underdogs but they showed real desire and a strong team ethic that suggests they could yet prove their doubters wrong and go deep into this competition.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Joy Sports 'Inside Euro 2016' show started on Monday evening, reviewing the action at the tournament so far with highlights from the exciting games. It's sponsored by DSTV and Pepsi. Airs Monday and Tuesday on the Joy News channel at 6:30pm.

Watch episode 1 below.

 

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