Who stood out after Italy's remarkable 2-0 victory over Belgium to open the Euro 2016 campaign? David Swan rates the Azzurri.

Gianluigi Buffon – 6

Wasn’t tested a great deal by Belgium due to a combination of an inability to break Italy down, and then an inability to take the chances they eventually created. But managed what was thrown at him well with the customary superiority we’ve come to expect.

Andrea Barzagli – 6

Who stood out after Italy's remarkable 2-0 victory over Belgium to open the Euro 2016 campaign? David Swan rates the Azzurri.

Gianluigi Buffon – 6

Wasn’t tested a great deal by Belgium due to a combination of an inability to break Italy down, and then an inability to take the chances they eventually created. But managed what was thrown at him well with the customary superiority we’ve come to expect.

Andrea Barzagli – 6

Eden Hazard’s insistence on coming inside from the left flank made Barzagli’s night considerably easier than it could have been. Dries Mertens gave him more trouble after coming on, but save for one moment late on, he coped admirably with the younger legs running at him.

Leonardo Bonucci – 7

A sensational pass to set up Emanuele Giaccherini’s goal, combined with that useful ability to attract the ball in defensive situations, made him the standout man of the game for the Azzurri. One of the best around in his position at the moment.

Giorgio Chiellini – 7

Like Barzagli on the opposite side of the three central defenders, Chiellini’s evening was made easier by Kevin De Bruyne coming inside and Belgium’s general lack of width. Still looked supremely comfortable and dealt with Marouane Fellaini in the air at set pieces.

Antonio Candreva – 6

Tireless, like many of his midfield colleagues, but wasted some good opportunities when in dangerous positions in the final third that could have settled the game much earlier for Italy. Picked out Graziano Pellè well for the second goal.

Marco Parolo – 6

A passenger when Italy were in possession. The Azzurri need more from him on the ball – he’s supposed to be one of the nominal ball players in the midfield, but less than half of the passes he made went forwards. Was diligent without the ball and worked hard.

Daniele De Rossi – 6

We didn’t get to see the verticality that was so obvious when he came on in Italy’s final pre-tournament friendly v Finland. Still managed to cycle the ball well and screen his central defenders against the twin threat Hazard and De Bruyne cutting inside to find space, plus Fellaini loitering behind the striker.

Emanuele Giaccherini – 7

Exactly what we have come to expect from the Bologna man – 90 minutes of running. His goal was welcome, and very well taken, but his covering in defence and following of midfield runners was equally as important during a game where Belgium had more of the ball.

Matteo Darmian – 6

His mistake in the second half could have been more costly, had Romelu Lukaku managed to put away the chance that eventually came from Darmian’s slack pass. Covered his flank well, although not as effective as Candreva when it came to getting into dangerous situations with the ball.

Eder – 6

A non-entity in possession, which is something Italy need to look at against lesser teams. But his work off the ball probably went unnoticed – his willingness to park himself in front, or the side of, Axel Witsel and stop all balls going into him were a key feature of his time on the pitch.

Graziano Pellè – 6

Eventually scored the second goal to make the game secure for Italy, but had chances much earlier that he should have taken.

Mattia De Sciglio – 6

Picked up the pace of the game quickly after coming on. Did not offer as much as Darmian offensively, but he had more to do defensively after Belgium introduced width on their right hand side in the form of Yannick Carrasco.

Ciro Immobile – 6

A surprisingly effective Antonio Conte substitution. Made Italy a threat on the counter-attack, one that Belgium didn’t appear to respect a great deal despite the opportunities he carved out on the break.

Thiago Motta – 5

Came on to see the game home and picked up a silly booking. Didn’t have enough time to put his stamp on proceedings.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Tickets Kit Collector