De Rossi: I was sure we could produce that kind of performance

De Rossi started the match and remained on the field for 78 minutes, leading the Azzurri midfield as they defeated a team considered by some to be among the favourites at the finals.

“Strangely enough I was sure that something like this would happen,” said the Giallorossi No.16 after the game. “My friends in Rome had put their houses on Belgium to win but I told them to watch out. We’re a good, well-organised side, we’ve worked really hard and we’re determined to do well.”

De Rossi – who has represented Italy at three World Cups, including the victorious campaign in Germany in 2006 – is taking part in his third European Championships. The Roma midfielder believes that this Antonio Conte squad has more than enough quality to do well in France.

“I have to say that we have an incredible group – they’re all good lads. Even those that aren’t playing are showing that they’re really buying into this adventure. That’s the way it should always be at international level. In this team we don’t have anyone who’s not focused on our common goal. You could feel that even before the game today so it’s a pleasure to be here with them all.

“Conte is showing us what his hard-work culture is all about. He has crazy attention to detail and looks at every kind of move to cause our opponents problems. It’s different for every game and for us it’s fascinating to work with him. The most important thing for a coach is to achieve results. Tonight is just a step along the way, however – it doesn’t mean anything. We had a similar start in Brazil but were then unceremoniously knocked out.”