The Italians made a statement in their opener against well fancied Belgium with a 2-0 victory. Patience and organisation was the key for the Azzurri in what should be their toughest game of Group E.
Italy proved a few doubters wrong with a commanding performance against Belgium at the Stade de Lyon in their Group E opener.
Goals from Emanuele Giaccherini and Graziano Pellè and a defensive display you would associate with the Italy of old was the result of a tactical masterclass from Antonio Conte.
Of the football boots on show, Nike had the majority with 57%, followed by Adidas with 25%. Puma and Mizuno were both represented with two players each wearing their brands.
Belgium
Nike = 11/14 | Adidas = 2/14 | New Balance = 1/14
1 Thibaut Courtois – Nike Magista Opus
23 Laurent Ciman – Nike Mercurial Vapor XI
2 Toby Alderweireld – Nike Magista Opus
3 Thomas Vermaelen – Adidas Ace 16
5 Jan Vertonghen – Nike Magista Opus
6 Axel Witsel – Adidas X 16
4 Radja Nainggolan – Nike Mercurial Vapor XI (Radiant Pack)
7 Kevin De Bruyne – Nike Mercurial Superfly V
8 Marouane Fellaini – New Balance Visaro
10 Eden Hazard – Nike Mercurial Vapor XI
9 Romelu Lukaku – Nike Mercurial Vapor XI (Radiant Pack)
Subs:
17 Divock Origi – Nike Mercurial Superfly V
14 Dries Mertens Nike Mercurial Vapor XI
11 Yannick Carrasco – Nike Mercurial Vapor XI
Italy
Nike = 5/14 | Adidas = 5/14 | Puma = 2/14 | Mizuno = 2/14
1 Gianluigi Buffon – Puma Evopower 1.3 (Tricks, two yellow)
15 Andrea Barzagli – Nike Tiempo Legend VI
19 Leonardo Bonucci – Nike Magista Obra (Radiant Pack)
3 Giorgio Chiellini – Puma Evopower 1.3
6 Antonio Candreva – Adidas X 16
18 Marco Parolo – Mizuno Morelia Neo
16 Daniele De Rossi – Adidas Ace 16
23 Emanuele Giaccherini – Adidas X 16
4 Matteo Darmian – Nike Tiempo Legend VI
9 Graziano Pellè – Nike Mercurial Superfly V
17 Éder Citadin Martins – Nike Mercurial Superfly V
Subs:
11 Ciro Immobile – Adidas X 15
2 Mattia De Sciglio – Adidas Ace 16
10 Thiago Motta – Mizuno Morelia II
