Marc Wilmots admits Italy could “invent something unexpected” on a tactical level, but Belgium are ready for them.
These two nations open their Group E campaign on Monday in Lyon at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
“A victory to begin with would give us a lot of confidence, whereas a defeat could have consequences,” said the Coach in a Press conference.
“This is the most prestigious opponent we’re facing in a tournament that could allow us to grow. We must be ready straight away.”
Marc Wilmots admits Italy could “invent something unexpected” on a tactical level, but Belgium are ready for them.
These two nations open their Group E campaign on Monday in Lyon at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
“A victory to begin with would give us a lot of confidence, whereas a defeat could have consequences,” said the Coach in a Press conference.
“This is the most prestigious opponent we’re facing in a tournament that could allow us to grow. We must be ready straight away.”
Wilmots was asked if this was the worst Italy line-up in decades.
“They are even more dangerous in these situations, as they have players of a very high level and a Coach who wants a team of warriors.
“You’ve seen the games in the tournament so far, including Romania against France. We know what awaits us. Antonio Conte trained behind closed doors to avoid spies? Everyone makes their choices, but I am accustomed to people seeing us train. It’s not a problem.
“We need to be very compact. We’ll only really know Italy’s tactics an hour before the game, perhaps they’ll invent something unexpected. We worked very hard on technique and causing problems for the opposition defence.”
Wilmots and Conte were playing when Italy knocked Belgium out of Euro 2000 on their way to the Final.
“We conceded a goal on a set play and had been well in the game with an attacking Belgium side. Just five minutes from the end, the second goal arrived.
“It was the first time a host nation had gone out in the first round, a catastrophic situation considering we had won the opening game.
“Tomorrow there will be 18,000 Belgians here in Lyon and just giving our country hope again is something wonderful. I prefer to have this kind of pressure than not having our fans behind us.
“I remember in Brazil at the World Cup we had only a small group present, but now we need our 12th man and will try to repay them for their faith.”
Eden Hazard is available after a knock in training on Friday and Thomas Vermaelen “just had tension in the calf muscle, but has been training recently and can certainly play.”
Wilmots was also asked about the hooliganism situation, particularly in Marseille.
"I don't believe teams should be docked points, as they cannot pay for the behaviour of a few fans. It is outside the sporting remit. What I do want to see is reciprocal respect. Our fans always applaud the opposition anthem and that makes me very proud."