Italy coach Antonio Conte believes that Belgium are among the favourites to win Euro 2016 next year in France.
The ex-Juventus coach was speaking after the Azzurri were drawn alongside Belgium, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland in Group E for the tournament. Conte claims the Red Devils have a great team that are capable of reaching the later stages of the competition.
“Belgium are a fantastic team and are one of the favourites not just in the group but also in the tournament itself,” the 46-year-old told Tuttosport.
Conte also talked about Italy’s two other other opponents Ireland and Sweden, with the latter being captained by Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“After Belgium we’ll play Sweden and Ireland,” Conte added.
“We are aware of the qualities of [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic.
“Ireland are a team that plays with great passion. They worked very hard and never give up.
“We’ll have to be careful.”