The central defender met Andres Iniesta's cross in the six-yard box and guided a header beyond keeper Petr Cech to finally bring an end to the Czech Republic’s stubborn resistance in the Group D match.

Spain, winners of the 2008 and 2012 tournaments, could have enjoyed a more straightforward opening match having dominated possession for the majority of the game, but proved wasteful in front of their opponent’s goal.

Alvaro Morata had shot straight at Cech from close range after being found by David Silva’s low cross in the early stages, while Jordi Alba had a powerful effort turned away by the goalkeeper.

The Spanish team got closer to making the breakthrough when a Morata cross was deflected onto the post, but nearly found themselves undeservedly behind as Theodor Gebre Selassie’s headed goalwards for the Czech Republic, only for Cesc Fabregas to clear off the line.

Pique was eventually able to end Spain’s wait to place the defending champions joint top of Group D with Croatia.

Italy, who were beaten 4-0 by Spain in the 2012 final, produced an impressive team performance to overcome the highly fancied Belgian team in Group E.

Leonardo Bonucci produced a stunning long-range pass to bypass the Belgian defence in the 32nd minute, with his team-mate Emanuele Giaccherini taking a sublime first touch in the box, before steering into the net.

The Italian team should have held a 2-0 lead at half-time but striker Graziano Pelle could only glance a close range header wide of the goal, just moments after Giaccherini’s opener.

Pelle could have been made to pay early in the second half when Kevin De Bruyne sent Romelu Lukaku clean through on the Italian goal, only for the forward to blaze over the crossbar when confronted by Gianluigi Buffon.

In the closing minutes, Marouane Fellaini and substitute Divock Origi conspired to miss from close range for Belgium, leaving Italy to break away and score a second when Pelle superbly volleyed in Antonio Candreva’s cross in stoppage time.

The Italian team moved to the top of the group, after the Republic of Ireland and Sweden had drawn earlier in the day.

Jeff Hendrick had struck the crossbar from distance in the early stages for the Irish team, who eventually took the lead through a Wes Hoolahan volley.

Sweden, though, were able to claim a point from their opening match when the Republic of Ireland’s Ciaran Clark headed Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s cross into his own net.