Italy headed into Euro 2016 as a team that many had wrote-off, but their opening game saw the Azzurri record a 2-0 win over highly-rated Belgium. In truth it was typical of what the Italians seem to do at every major tournament.
A first half goal from Emanuele Giaccherini and a stoppage-time effort from Graziano Pelle gave Antonio Conte’s team an opening game win. The Azzurri’s tendency to thrive when things are against them seems to have kicked-in once again in this tournament.
Seemingly every tournament critics and pundits write-off Italy and usually they make their doubters eat their words. The Azzurri getting to the Euro 2012 final was one of those times. Without getting too excited about Conte’s team they have made a better than expected start to their European Championship campaign.
The current Italy team is not terrible, but Italian teams tend to be judged on high standards and achievements of the past. However, sometimes experience and sheer know-how are valuable assets and Italy always have them in abundance.
They do not have the greatest individual players at the tournament, but are a well-organised outfit, which also have some very useful players. Their experience got the better of Belgium, who are a highly-talent group of individuals. As a team they appeared to be naïve.
Italy have proven down the years that they produce when it matters, at World Cups and European Championships. They have been there bought the t-shirt and parked the bus all over the world, but ultimately they have been successful.
It seems unlikely that Italy will win Euro 2016. However, in the in over Belgium they gave their critics and future opponents alike something to ponder.