Italy began their Euro 2016 campaign with a gritty, determined performance over group favourites Belgium.
Antonio Conte’s squad nullified the Belgian’s potent attacking threats, with Emanuele Giaccherini slotting home and Graziano Pelle thumping a volley in during injury time to give the Azzurri the perfect platform for a deep run into the tournament.
Despite being initially unfancied by supporters and journalists alike, the Italians fulfilled their manager’s pre-match request for fighters, repeatedly throwing themselves in the way of Belgian shots in a tactically disciplined performance.
Italy came out fighting, producing an unexpectedly attacking display with Sunderland’s Giaccherini providing a lot of the impetus around Pelle and strike partner Eder.
It was the Sunderland man who opened the Italian account, controlling and slotting home a world class pass from the impressive Leonardo Bonucci.
A defensive masterclass followed, with Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard, and Kevin de Bruyne all failing to get past a dogged Italian defence.
Deep into injury time, Graziano Pelle finished off a rapid counter-attack with a thunderous volley past Thibaut Courtois.
Here are the Read Euro 2016 ratings for the victorious Italians:
Gianluigi Buffon - 7
The veteran had little to do, largely thanks to his Juventus teammates in defence, but saved anything he needed to and showed fantastic passion from start to finish.
Andrea Barzagli - 8
Matched the rest of his team with flying blocks, big headers and big tackles.
Kept Eden Hazard quiet for the entirety of the game.
Leonardo Bonucci - 9
An all-around man of the match performance in the centre of the Italian back three.
Brought the ball out brilliantly, thoroughly dominated Romelu Lukaku and provided an assist for Giaccherini that would have made Pirlo proud.
Giorgio Chiellini - 8
Provided a vintage Chiellini performance. Full-blooded, tough tackling and booked.
Utterly dominated Kevin de Bruyne from the left-side of defence.
Antonio Candreva - 8
Consistently terrorised an out of position Jan Vertonghen with his direct, pacey runs down the right flank.
Also provided the chipped assist for Pelle’s late goal.
Daniele De Rossi - 7
Shielded his defence well and efficiently shifted possession to his more technically talented teammates.
Suffered a thump to the back and was substituted late on.
Marco Parolo - 7
Put in a workmanlike, if unflashy, performance from central midfield.
Ran consistently for 90 minutes and put in some crucial tackles on the edge of the Italian area.
Emanuele Giaccherini - 9
Premier League fans may have been surprised at the diminutive midfielder’s selection, but he fully justified Conte’s decision.
Took his goal very well and was a key playmaker alongside the more industrious De Rossi and Parolo.
Matteo Darmian - 7
Aided Chiellini in the nullification of Kevin de Bruyne as well as providing an attacking outlet down the left side.
A better performance than any he has produced for Manchester United this season.
Eder - 7
Worked hard as a link between Pelle and the midfield five.
Never looked like an imminent goal threat, but did an important job, including a UFC-worthy foul on Dries Mertens.
Graziano Pelle - 8
Fully deserved his late goal, having wasted two free headers either side of half-time.
Always looked to link up with his strike partner with clever flick-ons and willing runs.
Mattia De Sciglio - 7
Replaced Matteo Darmian and carried on exactly where Darmian left off, shielding Chiellini as the Juve veteran began to tire.
Ciro Immobile - 8
If Conte changes his XI before the next game, Immobile could be in for a start.
Drove Italy forward on the counter as they became increasingly boxed in by a dominant Belgium and drew a spectacular save out of Thibaut Courtois.
Thiago Motta
Did what he needed to do after replacing De Rossi with niggling tactical fouls when Belgium began to look dangerous.