GIACCHERINI HAILS ITALY DEFENCE AS EURO 2016'S BEST

Italy's unexpected hero Emanuele Giaccherini believes his team have the best defence at Euro 2016 after surviving a late Belgium onslaught in Lyon on Monday. The Sunderland midfielder, who spent last season on loan at Bologna, was held up by many before the tournament as an example of Italy's inferiority compared to some of their illustrious predecessors.But he defied his critics by scoring an expertly taken opening goal in a 2-0 win over Group E rivals Belgium at Stade de Lyon, benefitting from a pinpoint Leonardo Bonucci pass.                                                     Italy were then forced to withstand a barrage of Belgium attacks, before Graziano Pelle completed his side's victory after a superb counter-attack in injury time, and Giaccherini was full of praise for his defensive team-mates."The defence were definitely fantastic tonight," Giaccherini told a news conference."But you don't need me to sit here and say how good Italy's defence is. I think we have the best backline in the competition." Giaccherini admits he was pleased to silence those who have doubted his suitability to play for the national team, but says his satisfaction was more a consequence of the victory than his own contribution.