Claudio Marchisio insists the 3-1 result did not reflect Italy’s performance in “a fairly even game” with Belgium.

Antonio Candreva had opened the scoring within three minutes in Brussels, but it was overturned by Jan Vertonghen, Kevin De Bruyne and Michy Batshuayi.

“Belgium are among the favourites for the Euros and we knew they were an excellent side,” the midfielder told Rai Sport.

Claudio Marchisio insists the 3-1 result did not reflect Italy’s performance in “a fairly even game” with Belgium.

Antonio Candreva had opened the scoring within three minutes in Brussels, but it was overturned by Jan Vertonghen, Kevin De Bruyne and Michy Batshuayi.

“Belgium are among the favourites for the Euros and we knew they were an excellent side,” the midfielder told Rai Sport.

“Looking at it the result might seem crushing, but the truth is it was a fairly even game and we had our chances, forcing their goalkeeper into some excellent saves.

“The defeat is disappointing, but there are some very positive things to take from this match.

“Friendly or not, it’s never nice to lose, but we knew that we were facing one of the best sides in the world. Unfortunately our individual errors were decisive.”

Play was halted at the 39th minute to mark the 39 people who died at Heysel in May 1985.

“We came here to mark the anniversary of Heysel and it was a very moving tribute for an event we must never forget.”

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