

In what could arguably be predicted to be one of the first round's most exciting games for this Euros, Belgium against Italy turned out to be easy for the squad managed by Antonio Conte. Not for one second did they struggle against the apparently powerful Belgian side, the Italian experience overcame the golden generation formed by Eden Hazard, Kevin de Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku. One of Italy's goal scorers, Emanuele Giaccherini, wasn't surprised with the defense but he was very pleased.
Talking to the press after the victory, he said: "The defense were definitely fantastic tonight. But you don't need me to sit here and say how good Italy's defense is. I think we have the best backline in the competition. I'm delighted with my goal. Myself and all of the other players. We all know that whenever we pull on the shirt we are representing the entire nation. It will be that way throughout the competition. Every time you'll see 11 on the pitch and 12 on the bench who are really up for it.
"I'm always willing to help out the team, I always do what the coach asks of me. I'm pleased with my performance but ultimately it's about the team and result above all else."
About the rival, the player also added: "Maybe we didn't see it, but we certainly felt it. Belgium are such a top side on an individual basis. They've got some players who can really hurt you on a one-on-one basis at any stage of the game. Everyone had to help each other out, double up and then when we had the ball we had to try and hurt them, that's what the coach asked us to do. The Sweden game will be tough. Perhaps we will need to defend a bit less, but there will be less space, it will be tighter."
Photo credit: Italy