Emanuele Giaccherini and Graziano Pelle scored as Italy began their Euro 2016 campaign with victory over much-fancied Belgium in Lyon. With 16 of 24 teams progressing from the group stage, Italy took a huge step towards advancing with victory against their likeliest challengers. Before the tournament began some pundits condemned this Italy squad for a lack of quality, and even coach Antonio Conte said: "It isn't a good time for our football." Belgium were very disappointing, with Romelu Lukaku and Divock Origi wasteful in front of goal. Sunderland's Giaccherini slotted home in the first half after collecting Leonardo Bonucci's superb long pass.

Source: The Star June 13, 2016 22:07 UTC