Belgium coach Marc Wilmots has criticised Italy’s tactics following his side’s 2-0 loss in their opening match of Euro 2016.
The Azzurri won the match thanks to goals from Emanuele Giaccherini and Graziano Pellè in either half.
“This is a huge disappointment for the whole group,” Wilmots said.
“In the first half-hour we allowed absolutely no chances and we created a few ourselves, albeit from distance. Then we made a small mistake in defence and Italy scored. The communication went wrong between Alderweireld and Ciman.
“You know it’s difficult to get back into the game then, especially against Italy because they have so much experience. We played a lot better after the break, though it was still not easy against the Juventus bloc in defence.
“Italy specifically played on the counter-attack. They did not play real football and when faced with everyone sitting back, it becomes difficult.
Wilmots also put Kevin De Bruyne’s underwhelming Euro 2016 opening match down to fatigue, saying the Manchester City star was certainly not at his best, along with Romelu Lukaku.
“Is the kid tired after a busy season? Yes, perhaps. He’s been training, not quite at full pelt but he has been preparing for this fixture,” he said.
“[Lukaku] did not have a happy night and Kevin De Bruyne can do better, but now is not the time to criticise individuals.
“[Vermaelen] everyone knows or at least I know he is a great defender I like him because he is a defender who steps out and is neat and tidy. [The opening goal] was his only mistake.”
Belgium are currently bottom of Group E and have a tricky fixture against Republic of Ireland to come.
“Nothing is over, if we win the remaining two matches we will reach our objective and that’s what we are trying to do,” Wilmots said.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
