Emanuele Giaccherini has hailed Italy's defence as the best at Euro2016.

The Azzurri kept a star-studded Belgian attack goalless in their group stage opener in Lyon on Monday night while managing to score twice down the other end, through Bologna winger Giaccherini and Southampton striker Graziano Pelle.

Following the Group E win, Giaccherini suggested the backline of Antonio Conte's side, consisting of goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli, was the springboard for their vital victory.

"The defence was fantastic, I think we have the best back line in the competition, they made the difference," Giaccherini said.

"I'm pleased to have scored and with my performance, but it was all about getting the win for the team tonight.

"Belgium are a top side, especially individually. They have players who can hurt you and made life hard for us at times, everyone had to help each other out.

"We had to try and hurt them when we had the ball, which was what the coach (Antonio Conte) told us to do."

Italy will next meet Sweden in Toulouse on Friday.