Players from Everton, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Southampton all featured in terms of Premier League representation as Italy beat Belgium 2-0 in Lyon.
Italy head coach Antonio Conte celebrates at the end of the match
That old phrase has come round again, never write off the Italians, and with plenty of justification as Antonio Conte’s side outwitted, outfought and ultimately outperformed a Belgian side which has plenty of talented but looks increasingly disjointed.
It felt like a significant win for Italy. So significant in their celebrations immediately after Graziano Pelle doubled the Azzurri’s lead in stoppage time that he was swamped by teammates from the substitute’s bench, while Gianluigi Buffon ran the length of the field at the final whistle to try to swing from the cross-bar – only to fall off in humorous fashion.
Tactically, Conte got this spot on against a side that features a few players he could be managing when he takes over at Stamford Bridge following this performance.
Emanuele Giaccherini took his opportunity with the coolest of heads as Leonardo Bonucci’s wonderful long-ball set him through on goal.
Italy frustrated Belgium. Eden Hazard struggled to get into the game, Romelu Lukaku frustrated and wasted a wonderful opportunity to equalise prior to being substituted – with Divock Origi also squandering a couple of opportunities late on in the game.
Despite the warning signs, Belgium could not find a way through and they were given the ultimate body blow in stoppage time at the end of the second half when Pelle struck home an Antonio Candreva cross.
After one game, it puts the Italians top of Group E, with Belgium bottom. Here are some of the best images from last night’s action in Lyon:
Italy’s Emanuele Giaccherini scores their first goal
Italy’s Emanuele Giaccherini celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates
Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne shoots at goal
Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku shoots wide
Belgium head coach Marc Wilmots with Romelu Lukaku after he is substituted
Belgium’s Divock Origi looks dejected after a missed chance
Italy’s Gianluigi Buffon gathers the ball
Italy’s Graziano Pelle scores their second goal
Italy’s Graziano Pelle Celebrates after scoring their second goal
Italy’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon celebrates.
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