Goals from Emanuele Giaccherini and Graziano Pelle, combined with excellent defending in Lyon, France, helped Italy beat Belgium, 2-0, in its first match at the European Championships on Monday. But victory looked unlikely after a combination of poor finishing and a superb performance from Czech Republic goalkeeper Petr Cech. José Manuel Velázquez gave Venezuela the early lead by volleying in a headed assist from Christian Santos in the 10th minute. Italy, the 2006 World Cup champion, finally broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute when Leonardo Bonucci found Giaccherini inside the Belgium penalty area with a lofted long ball over the defense. Advertisement Continue reading the main storyPelle made it 2-0 in extra time with a well-struck volley after a counterattack.

Source: New York Times June 14, 2016 01:10 UTC