Belgium Versus Italy: Match Report

Group E's clash between FIFA Ranked number 2, Belgium and number 12, Italy was bound to be the star match of the ongoing European Championships group games. Alongside group D that consists of Spain, Turkey, Croatia and Czech Republic, group E is one other tough group that houses some of the best footballing countries in Europe. Belgium, Italy, Sweden and Republic of Ireland will all battle it out for 2 or 3 spots available for progression into the next rounds. Belgium have always been tagged favorites as far as topping the group goes, and after a 1 – 1 draw between Sweden and Ireland earlier on, the Red Devils had the chance to go top of the group. But a compact and solid Azzurri team wasn't going to be the easiest of rides. Conte's squad showed Marc Wilmot why experience will always matter, and despite being rough around the edges in the final third, the Italians left Lyon with all 3 points.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Despite not coming with legendary playmaker and splitting-passes master, Andrea Pirlo, Italy were able to carve in long passes via central back, Leonardo Bonucci. The Juventus defender located Bologna's forward, Emanuele Giaccherini with a missile pass from the midfield, and the on-loan Sunderland player wasted no time with his composed finish past Thibaut Courtois. Bonucci's defensive abilities also gave the Red Devils striking duo of Lukaku and Origi restless night. Both weren't given enough breathing spaces and were not able to find their rhythms.

NOTABLE MENTIONS:

Thibaut Courtois might have failed to come out of his line early enough to allow Giaccherini take his time before slotting the first goal past him, yet he put up a fine display afterwards, making 2 fine saves later on. It might have been a cleansheet for the Chelsea goalie if he had an Italy-like defence line in front of him.

Tottenham's Vertonghen was also helpful for Belgium as they could have easily conceded more goals without him. He was solid rock at left back, an unfamiliar position for the central defender. He made successful runs down the opposite flank too, and saw a number of his crosses wasted by Lukaku and the likes.

PLAYERS RATINGS

Courtois - 8. 
Ciman - 6. 
Alderweireld - 5. 
Vermaelen - 5. 
Vertonghen - 7. 
Fellaini - 7. 
Witsel - 6. 
Nainggolan - 5. 
De Bruyne - 4. 
Hazard - 7. 
Lukaku - 3.

Buffon - 7.
Barzagli - 8
Chiellini - 8.
Bonucci - 9.
Candreva - 8.
Parolo - 7.
De Rossi - 7.
Giaccherini - 8.
Darmian - 6.
Pelle - 7.
Eder - 6.

Substitutes

Mertens - 6
Origi - 4
Carrasco - 6

De Sciglio - 6
Immobile - 5
Motta - 5

NOTABLE AND MATCH STATISTICS

Possession 

Belgium - 57%
Italy - 43%

Shots

Belgium - 18
Italy - 12

Shots on Target

Belgium - 3
Italy - 6

Corners

Belgium - 8
Italy- 6

Fouls

Belgium - 10
Italy - 12

Yellow Cards

Belgium - 1
Italy - 4

TALKING POINTS

THE MATCH WAS A SORT OF AUDITION

Conte, Hazard, Courtois, Lukaku, Nainggolan, and Fellaini all had their auditions ahead of next season's EPL. Conte's famous 3-5-2  formation has always been subject to debate once Chelsea announced him as coach. Many still argue such formation won't work out in England, but having stuck to it at Juve and Italy, and with obvious high success rate, the Italian tactician isn't likely to change it at the Stamford Bridge.

While Chelsea duo, Hazard and Courtois impressed their new coach, same can't be said of Lukaku and Nainggolan. Both have been linked with Chelsea moves, and they didn't do enough to impress Conte. However, they still have 2 more games at least to prove their worth, but they didn't do anything worthwhile as they were directly scouted.

Fellaini on the other hand proved to be a true Red Devils for both club and country. Mourinho was definitely watching, and the tall midfielder was the most impressive Belgian midfielder in Lyon. His future at the Old Trafford might still be intact.

FIFA RANKINGS MEANS NOTHING

Belgium were number 1 in the world few months ago, and despite being displaced by Argentina, many touted them as the team to beat in France. Against Italy, it didn't turn out so. An aged and less-talented Italy side rubbished Belgium's position by soaking up the pressure and converting the few chances they had. Team work proved more superior and that will be a lesson for Marc Wilmots and his boys.

CONTE'S SQUAD CHOICE HAS BEEN JUSTIFIED

When Conte left out Pirlo, Gianluigi Donnarumma and the likes, he was accused of short-sightedness. The team was dubbed the least-talented squad ever presented for a tournament. Rightly so though, but the coach's tactics and choices of players can't be questioned any longer. They decisively passed their toughest test in the group stage, and they look unstoppable.