Giaccherini and Pelle secure 3 vital points for Italy

The Italians produced an excellent performance to beat Belgium 2-0 in one of the stand out fixtures of the group stage.

Sunderland midfielder, Giaccherini, scored his fourth goal for his country after receiving an outstanding pass form Leonardo Bonucci.

Belgium tried to respond through Lukaku and Origi, but Italy’s solid defence proved worthy. Southampton’s Graziona Pelle, sealed the issue  with his volley that ended up behind cuortois.

This result means that the Belgians are bottom of group E after Ireland and Sweden drew earlier in the day. Now, Belgium needs to produce solid performances to live up to expectations and go through this group. On the other hand, Antonio Conte’s side showed that they could prove critics wrong and go on in this competition.

Italy starting line-up: Buffon; Barzagli, Chiellini, Bonucci; Candreva, Parolo, De Rossi, Giaccherini, Darmian; Pelle, Eder.

Belgium starting line-up: Courtois; Ciman, Alderweireld, Vermaelen, Vertonghen; Fellaini, Witsel, Nainggolan; De Bruyne, Hazard, R. Lukaku.

Yellow cards

Chiellini (Italy), Eder (Italy), Bonucci (Italy), Thiago Motta (Italy), Vertonghen (Belgium).

Referee

Mark Clattenburg (England)