Republic of Ireland coach Martin O'Neill said he could not have chosen a harder European Championships group after they were drawn against world number one Belgium, Italy and Sweden.

"It couldn't get tougher," he said of the Group E battle in France next year.

O'Neill said Italy should have been among the top-ranked seeds.

"It is something to look forward to for the fans but it couldn't be tougher.

"Sweden in the first game is something to look forward to. Let's go for it and leave nothing behind.

"Now we know who we are up against, we can study players individually. It is a bit of a maze but we'll get down to plotting something."

Italy coach Antonio Conte said Belgium are among the "favourites" to reach the final stages.

"Then I see pretty equal teams with Sweden, us and Ireland. I think Belgium are among the favourites. We know all the strengths of Zlatan Ibrahimovic."

The Sweden striker, who has lifted Paris St Germain among Europe's top club sides, will be getting a chance to shine on the international stage.

"Ireland are certainly a team who play with a lot of emotion, who are strong with their team spirit and great intensity. So we have to be careful," said Conte.