World number two Belgium begin their Euro 2016 campaign against Euro 2012 finalists Italy on Monday (13 June) at the Stade de Lyon.

Where to watch live

Kick-off is at 8pm BST. Live TV coverage in the UK is available on BBC One. Radio commentary is available on BBC Radio 5 live. Live TV coverage in India is available on Sony Six and Sony ESPN, with mobile and online coverage available on SonyLiv. Kick-off is at 12.30am IST (Tuesday).

Click here to get a list of Euro 2016 broadcasters all across the globe

Preview

Belgium come into the tournament as the fourth favourites behind France, Germany and Spain and with one of the strongest squads in the tournament, they will be expected to make the latter stages of the competition. The strength in depth in the squad is second to none, with quality backups in every position.

Marc Wilmots has the enviable headache of having to choose from a number of quality options for each position. The Belgians are ranked number two in the world behind Argentina and they will be keen to stand up and be considered one of the top sides in Europe. The squad consists of Eden Hazard, Kevin de Bruyne, Romely Lukaku, Radja Nainggolan and Toby Alderweireld among others is the golden generation of Belgian football, but have failed to live up to their expectations in recent years.

This is their first European Championships since Euro 2000 after they failed to qualify for the last three editions. The Red Devils will be keen to live up to expectations and deliver on the big stage. But it will not come easy as they face European giants and Euro 2012 finalists Italy in their opening encounter.

The Italians are not considered one of the favourites to win the tournament despite reaching the finals in 2012, as they are not in the best of form and are without key players due to injury. However, they cannot be discounted due to their experience in major tournaments. Antonio Conte's well drilled defence will be key for their success in the tournament, but the absence of Marco Verratti and Claudio Marchisio will be a big blow for the manager.

Belgium have not beaten Italy in the European Championships since 1972, but did record a friendly 3-1 victory in their last meeting in November 2015. The clash between the two sides, arguably the biggest of the 2016 tournament thus far, have been filled with goals in recent years – their last five encounters have seen 18 goals scored at 3.6 per game.

Prediction

Italy

Betting odds (Betfair)

Belgium – 7/5

Draw – 19/10

Italy – 9/4

What managers say

Antonio Conte (Italy): "There are going to be 46 warriors out there, 23 of ours and 23 of theirs. You feel your country is urging you on and all of us will give that little bit more to be warriors – both them and us. It's important to be warriors and to use your head and try to play the way we have prepared over recent days. There's little to say about Belgium – everybody can see their capabilities – and it is also all their own work to have such talented young players. Congratulations to them, because it means they've worked well on their football."

Marc Wilmots (Belgium): "A win would give us a lot of confidence whereas a loss would shake us up a bit. Italy are the most prestigious and most difficult opponents to start a tournament with, and we'll need to be in top form right from the start. I think they're even more dangerous when they have their backs to the wall. They have one of the top leagues in the world, a high level of players and a well-prepared coach who'll get them in great physical condition."

Team News

Belgium

Possible XI: Courtois; Alderweireld, Denayer, Vermaelen, Vertonghen; Witsel, Nainggolan; Mertens, De Bruyne, Hazard; Lukaku.

Italy

Possible XI: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Candreva, Parolo, De Rossi, Giaccherini, Darmian; Immobile, Zaza.

Euro 2016