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.
