Before the European Championship, most experts wrote that the Italians showed their mastery in the match against the ambitious Belgian team.
Antonio Conte's team stopped the powerful opponent's attack and won the E group meeting 2-0.
Both teams started the match very actively, but did not create any dangerous opportunities.
In the 10th minute, the symbol of the Italian national team, Gianluigi Buffon, demonstrated his mastery by deflecting a long shot from R. Nainggolan.
In the 32nd minute, the first goal of the match was scored - E. Giaccherini, receiving a perfect pass from L. Bonucci from the center of the field, coolly beat Th. Courtois.
A few moments later, the score could have been 2-0 - after a corner, confusion arose in the penalty area and G. Pelle's header went wide of the post.
In the 41st minute, K. De Bruyne's attempt was blocked by G. Chiellini. In the final seconds of the half, the Italians tried to launch a dangerous counterattack, but lacked accuracy.
After the break, the Belgians made every effort to equalize the match.
In the 54th minute, R. Lukaku faced G. Buffon one-on-one, but missed the goal.
After a substitution in the field, D. Origi had a great opportunity to score, but his header flew over the crossbar. The Italians responded with a counterattack and Th. Courtois had to work hard to save C. Immobile's shot.
At the end of the match, the Italians faced a couple of dangerous situations in front of their goal, but managed to defend. Finally, they launched a quick attack and G. Pelle "closed" A. Candreva's pass with a goal - 2-0.
Result:
Belgium 0 - 2 Italy
32' [0 - 1] E. Giaccherini
90' [0 - 2] G. Pelle
Starting lineups:
Belgium: Courtois, Ciman, Alderweireld, Vermaelen, Vertonghen, Witsel, Nainggolan, Fellaini, De Bruyne, Hazard, R. Lukaku.
Italy: Buffon, Chiellini, Barzagli, Bonucci, Darmian, Candreva, De Rossi, Parolo, Giaccherini, Pellè, Éder.
