Italy’s Euro 2016 campaign got off to a flying start as Antonio Conte’s men secured an emphatic 2-0 win over Belgium at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais.
Emanuele Giaccherini opened the scoring for the Azzurri in the 32nd minute as he latched on to an over the top ball from a quick free-kick by Leonardo Bonucci, before slotting home past Thibaut Courtois.
Belgium, who are currently ranked second in the world, squandered a host of second half opportunities to equalise before Graziano Pelle put the tie to bed with a scissor kick from six yards out. The Southampton striker found the back of an empty net, with the last kick of the game, after Antonio Candreva found him with a brilliant pinpoint cross.
Belgium
Thibaut Courtois – 7/10
The Chelsea shot-stopper made a host of key saves to keep his side in the hunt for 92 minutes of the game. The 24-year-old denied Pelle from close range at the start of the second half, before producing a remarkable save to keep out Siro Immobile’s strike in the closing stages of the game.
Laurent Ciman – 5/10
A disappointing night for the 30-year-old full-back as he failed to provide an outlet for his side in attack and was exposed in the build-up for Italy’s opener. Was replaced by Carrasco in the 75th minute as Belgium threw the kitchen sink at Italy.
Thomas Vermaelen – 6/10
The central defender’s lack of playing time at Barcelona was evident as he looked off pace on more occasions than one. Did make a couple of vital interceptions and blocks.
Toby Alderweireld – 5.5/10
The Tottenham Hotspur man endured a nightmarish start to his Euro campaign as he was primarily at fault for Italy’s opener having allowed the ball to find his way to Giaccherini. The 27-year-old struggled in the air and was also sloppy while defending.
Jan Vertonghen – 6.5/10
Failed to provide an attacking outlet down the left-hand side as Candreva proved more than a handful for the 29-year-old. But the Tottenham Hotspur man did make some vital blocks to deny good opportunities to the Azzurri.
Radja Nainggolan – 6.5/10
Tested Buffon with some venomous long range drives, before being replaced by Mertens in the 62nd minute – to everyone’s surprise.
Eden Hazard – 7/10
The Chelsea winger was disappointing in the first half, but improved as the game progressed. Despite looking like the most likely source for an equalizer, he could not deliver the goal that Belgium so desperately required.
Marouane Fellaini – 5/10
The Manchester United man squandered a great opportunity at the 90th minute to salvage a point for his side. The 28-year-old was at hand to receive the ball from his teammates and covered an insane amount of ground but failed to provide the all-important breakthrough for his side and was also let down by his poor control of the ball.
Axel Witsel – 6/10
Witsel helped his side retain possession and guarded the back four with aplomb. The Zenit St. Petersburg midfielder was a bright spark in an otherwise forgettable encounter for the Red Devils.
Kevin de Bruyne – 4.5/10
Struggled to make the impact that is expected from a player of his stature. The Manchester City man was unable to find his teammates with his slide rule through balls but set up a great chance for Lukaku in the second half.
Romelu Lukaku – 3/10
Without a shadow of doubt the worst Belgian player of the game. The Everton man cut a sorry figure as he was deprived of the service that he thrives on. The 23-year-old squandered his side’s best chance on the counter. Was replaced by Divock Origi in the 73rd minute.
Substitutes
Dries Mertens – 6.5/10
Was brought on for Nainggolan in the 62nd minute and caused havoc amidst the Italian defenders with his direct running.
Divock Origi – 6/10
Replaced Lukaku in the 73rd minute and made a more significant impact that the Liverpool man.
Yannick Carrasco – N/A
Came on as a 75th-minute substitute for Ciman but didn’t have a significant impact on the game.
Italy
Gianluigi Buffon – 6.5/10
The veteran shot-stopper was equal to whatever little the Belgian team had to offer and organized his defence with authority.
Andrea Barzagli – 7/10
The 35-year-old was solid at the back and alongside his Juventus teammates formed a formidable back line which the Red Devils found impenetrable for most parts of the game. Kept a leash on Hazard and De Bruyne.
Leonardo Bonucci – 8.5/10
His pass to pick out Giaccherini’s run after taking a quick free-kick for Italy’s opener was exquisite. His excellent positional sense combined with an innate ability to read the game allowed him to make some vital interceptions.
Giorgio Chiellini – 8/10
Dealt with the aerial threat of Fellaini and Lukaku with relative ease. His decision making was excellent and he marshalled the defence with authority.
Matteo Darmian – 6.5/10
The Manchester United man was relentless as he burst up and down the left flank. The 26-year-old’s crossing let him down on more occasions than one, but he was able to negate the effect of De Bruyne on the game.
Antonio Candreva – 7/10
The Lazio winger had a fine game on the right-hand side and was a constant menace for the defenders with his direct running. The 29-year-old picked out Pelle with an inch-perfect cross for Italy’s second goal.
Marco Parolo – 5.5/10
The 31-year-old had a decent game in the middle of the park as he did not afford the Belgian players the time and space to create problems for the Azzurri.
Emanuele Giaccherini – 7.5/10
The Bologna midfielder was a calm and composed presence in the middle of the park. Made an excellent run, followed it up with a brilliant first touch to control Bonucci’s lofted ball, before slotting it home to open the scoring for his side.
Daniele de Rossi – 6.5/10
He kept the ball well and circulated it without much fuss. The 32-year-old guarded the back four from the advances of Belgium forwards but could have been more influential for Conte’s side.
Graziano Pelle – 7/10
His thunderous volley sealed the win for Italy in the 93rd minute. Pelle’s work rate was also terrific, however, the Southampton man did miss a couple of easy headers during the game.
Eder – 4.5/10
The Inter Milan forward had a dismal outing spear-heading Italy’s attack alongside Pelle. The 29-year-old failed to do anything of note for his side before being replaced by Ciro Immobile.
Substitutes
Mattia de Sciglio – 6.5/10
Replaced Darmian in the 59th minute and put in a solid defensive display thereafter.
Ciro Immobile – 6/10
Tested Courtois with a long-range effort after replacing Eder, but failed to have a significant impact on the outcome of the game.
Thiago Motta – N/A
Came on as a late substitute for De Rossi and didn’t have enough time to make a telling contribution.
