World Champions Italy beat Belgium 3-1 in their only warm up game prior to Euro 2008 at the Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence on Friday. Coach Roberto Donadoni opted to start with Antonio Di Natale and Mauro Camoranesi on the flanks in his preferred 4-3-3 formation, and both the wingers justified their selection by finding the back of the net.

AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo was the creator of the opener, bamboozling his marker before setting up Natale to volley home at the near post in the ninth minute. Christian Panucci should have put Italy ahead earlier, but his headed effort was off target. Alberto Aquilani, starting ahead of Daniele de Rossi, helped Natale score the second in the 41st minute and Italy were 2-0 ahead. Juventus veteran Alessandro del Piero replaced Di Natale at half time, and was the provider as Mauro Camoranesi joined Di Natale in the scorer's list in the 48th minute.

Wesley Sonck headed Belgium's only goal of the game from a corner with seconds to go on the clock, finally managing to beat Gianluigi Buffon in the Italian goal. Belgium did not threaten much, and Italy were clearly the better side over ninety minutes.

Italian starting XI against Belgium :-

Buffon, Barzagli, Cannavaro, Panucci, Zambrotta, Gattuso, Aquilani, Pirlo, Camoranesi, Di Natale, Toni

Substitutes used :-

Cassano, Del Piero, Borriello, Ambrosini, Chiellini, Grosso