Italy thrash Belgium 2-0

LYON: Emanuele Giaccherini and Graziano Pelle sparked wild celebrations by Italy after scoring the goals in a 2-0 win over world number two side Belgium in their opening Euro 2016 match. Defending champions Spain, seeking an unprecedented third triumph, also started with a hard fought 1-0 win over Czech Republic. Zlatani Ibrahimovic’s Sweden and Irish Republic drew 1-1. Belgium’s Red Devils were punished by a ruthless Italian performance despite dominating for long spells of the Group E clash in Lyon. Italy’s coach said the team’s first round failure at the 2014 World Cup should inspire the Azzurri to success at the European Championship. “That open wound from two years ago needs to burn in the players,” Conte said. Giaccherini’s strike just after the half hour put future Chelsea manager Conte’s men in front before Southampton striker Pelle sealed the win with a thumping finish from Antonio Candreva’s cross. Veteran goalkeeper and captain Gianluigi Buffon sprinted the length of the pitch to join in the celebrations. Pelle also jumped as though he had won the tournament. Belgium now face a crucial clash with Ireland on Saturday in Bordeaux if they are to avoid an embarrassing early exit. A star-studded Belgian attack containing Eden Hazard, Kevin de Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku were frustrated throughout by Italy’s ‘BBC’ defence of Andre Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini. (AFP)