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Underdogs Italy produced a tactical masterclass to defeat Belgium 2-0 in Lyon yesterday and inflict a shock defeat on one of the favourites for Euro 2016.
Emanuele Giaccherini scored the opening goal in the 31st minute, controlling a magnificent long pass from Leonardo Bonucci to slot home.
It was a thoroughly deserved reward for Italy, who more than neutralised the supposedly superior individual skills of Belgium with their organisation and work-rate.
Belgium’s best chance to level was spurned by Romelu Lukaku early in the second half but Italy also had chances to double their lead before Graziano Pelle sealed the win in injury-time.
Group E favourites Belgium are now bottom of the table while Italy sit top after Ireland drew 1-1 with Sweden earlier yesterday.
In the next games, Italy face Sweden on Friday and on Saturday Belgium meet Ireland.
Torrential rain had pounded Lyon before the match, drenching fans who had mingled peacefully in the city centre, but it eased before kick-off, and the pitch handled the deluge well.
Belgium, roared on by a boisterous support, started brightly as Lukaku almost got behind the Italian defence but this proved to be a rarity in the first half.
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