Turkey 0-3 Italy
Italy started their Euro 2020 campaign with a bang by demolishing Turkey last Friday night at the Stadio Olimpico.
After being slowed down by Senol Gunes’ side in the first 45 minutes, Roberto Mancini’s men flipped the switch in the second half and put on a show in front of 15,000 fans in Rome.
Turkey faltered badly after the break as Merih Demiral scored an own goal following an Italy cross and then the floodgates bursted open as Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne scored one goal apiece late.
The victory was an emphatic message from Roberto Mancini to all participants in Euro 2020 and now they’re at pole position in Group A since we’re still waiting for the result between Switzerland and Wales.
It was a bold performance that instantly puts the Azzurri as one of the tournament favourites since their Euro 2020 odds have dramatically improved after last night.
There are so many Euro 2020 highlights in the said game. And here at SBOTOP, we take a look back by recapping them one by one.
Highlights of the game
Turkey were humbled in their first taste of a major tournament despite their strong defencive performance in the first half.
Despite Italy’s forays at goal from the get-go, Turkey’s backline stood firm as they thwarted shot after shot from the Azzurri.
Roberto Mancini’s boys had their first real chance at the 22nd minute when Giorgio Chiellini tried a header after a set-piece but the shot was expertly tipped over the crossbar by Ugurcan Cakir.
Lorenzo Insigne and Ciro Immobile also had multiple chances early on, but their efforts were either saved or the ball went into a different direction.
Despite a goalless first half, Roberto Mancini kept his team playing at a high tempo and their efforts will be rewarded few minutes into the second half.
Italy got a helping hand from Turkey in the 53rd minute as Domenico Berardi’s cross hit Merih Demiral’s torso and the ball went into the back of the net for their first goal of the evening.
Manuel Locatelli almost doubled Italy’s lead five minutes later when he tried a low shot from 19 yards but it was a routine save from Ugurcan Cakir.
Turkey were feeling the pressure being down by a goal and it didn’t help that they were already fatigued during the last half hour.
When Ugurcan Cakir blocked Leonardo Spinazzola’s shot attempt during the 66th minute, Ciro Immobile’s quick putback for his 14th international goal gave the Azzurri the two-goal lead.
13 minutes later, Italy put on the finishing touches as Domenico Berardi teed up Lorenzo Insigne, who curled a beautiful ball into the far corner after Ugurcan Cakir’s bad clearance.
Key statistics
Italy have now won their opening fixture at each of their last three major tournaments, against England in the 2014 World Cup, Belgium at the Euro 2016, and last night against Turkey in Euro 2020. Their victory over Turkey was the biggest opening day margin at an European Championship tournament.
Furthermore, the Azzurri are now undefeated in their last 28 matches in all competitions (W23, D5), and they’re closing in to their record of their 30-game unbeaten run which lasted between November 1935 to July 1939.
Merih Demiral was on the wrong side of history after last night. The Juventus’ centre-back’s own goal was the first time ever that the first goal at a big European tournament had been an own goal.
Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne continue to be Italy’s most potent threats while Giorgio Chiellini was named Man of the Match.
Immobile, in particular, has now scored in three consecutive appearances for the Azzurri for the first time. His goal at the 66th minute marked his first goal in a major European tournament.
Italy were simply too dominant as they had 24 total shots with eight of them on target and they controlled 64-per cent of the possession. In contrast, Turkey only had three total shots with none of them on target.
What’s next?
After a few days of rest, Italy and Turkey are going to be back in action on Wednesday.
Turkey will look to redeem themselves when they’ll take on Wales at Baku. Senol Gunes is hopeful that his boys can gather a point or three in order to avoid being in a deep hole in Group A.
Meanwhile, Italy aim to extend their points lead with another win against Switzerland on their home turf.
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