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: