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Marc Wilmots refuses to blame PL stars following Belgium's defeat to Italy

Romelu Lukaku had a tough night as Belgium lost to Italy
Image: Romelu Lukaku had a tough night as Belgium lost their Euro 2016 opener

Belgium coach Marc Wilmots refused to blame his Premier League stars for the Red Devils' below-par display in their 2-0 defeat to Italy in Monday's Euro 2016 opener.

Much-fancied Belgium, who were the highest ranked team coming into the tournament, were floored by goals in either half from Emanuele Giaccherini and Graziano Pelle as Italy hit the ground running at the European Championships finals.

Kevin de Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku both had nights to forget at the Stade de Lyon as the Belgium forwards were repeatedly frustrated by Italy's outstanding back three of Andre Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini.

When asked where it went wrong for Belgium, Wilmots said: "It's very difficult to say.

"We were too compact in the first half an hour, then we conceded the first goal from a ball over the top, that was an individual mistake, clearly.

Kevin De Bruyne (r) is challenged by Matteo Darmian
Image: Kevin De Bruyne (r) is challenged by Matteo Darmian

"De Bruyne and Lukaku didn't have the best of nights, but I don't want to criticise individuals."

Manchester City forward De Bruyne struggled to impact the game from the right wing as Belgium endured a difficult night, but Wilmots said he will persist with him because of his past performances for his country.

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"Is the kid tired after a long season? Probably, but I am not going to slate him, he has been a big player for us in the past and I left him on as he is often able to bang in an assist," said Wilmots.

"There was a breakdown in communication for their opening goal, which can't happen at this level."

Kevin De Bruyne (r) and Marouane Fellaini (l) look dejected after Belgium's defeat
Image: Kevin De Bruyne (r) and Marouane Fellaini (l) look dejected after Belgium's defeat

Wilmots said Belgium's objective must now be to get over their opening defeat, then beat Ireland and Sweden to ensure they reach the last 16.

"We have to win our next two games now to make the knock-out stages and that is what we'll try to do," he added.

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