Turkey vs Italy
After a year-long delay, Euro 2020 is finally set to kick off as Italy take on Turkey in the tournament curtain-raiser at the Stadio Olimpico. The Azzurri will head into the Euros in exceptional form; they are unbeaten in their last 27 matches, including eight wins in a row.
The Italians will enjoy home advantage in Group A, which is one of the reasons the Euro 2020 betting odds have them favoured to top Group A.
However, the Azzurri face a tricky opening test in the form of a young and talented Turkey side which could cause a surprise in this year’s tournament.
Talking Points
Turkey’s talented squad gets first taste of a major tournament
Turkey are a team on the rise. A promising new generation of talented players is emerging, one that made waves when they beat France 2-0 at home early on in Euro 2020 qualifying.
They have since picked up more standout results like draws away to France and Germany, and a 4-2 win over the Netherlands in World Cup qualifying.
The Turks possess a lot of promise in defence, with Juventus’ Merih Demiral and Leicester’s Caglar Soyuncu forming a formidable central defensive partnership. They conceded just three goals in 10 qualifying matches, which tied Belgium for the best defensive record.
Liverpool’s Ozan Kabak is ready in reserve, while Zeki Celik of French champions Lille will start at right-back.
Turkey also have undoubted talent in midfield. AC Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu (13 goals in 56 caps) is the team’s chief playmaker and set-piece specialist who will pull the strings in attack. Ozan Tufan already has 60 caps at age 26 and offers plenty of steel in midfield.
Meanwhile, Yusuf Yazici, who was instrumental in Lille’s title-winning campaign, and Leicester winger Cengiz Under can provide versatile attacking quality either out wide or through the middle.
Turkey are not as deep at forward, but captain Burak Yilmaz is more than capable of carrying the goalscoring load. The 35-year-old has 29 goals in 67 caps and was in fine form all year for French champions Lille.
In-form Italy must cope without Verratti
Italy’s road to Euro 2020 could not have gone much smoother. The Azzurri will head into the tournament on the back of an incredible 27-match unbeaten run. They won all 10 Euro 2020 qualifying matches, as well as each of their last eight matches without conceding a single goal.
Granted, they did not face the stiffest competition during that time. Nevertheless, Mancini has his side playing his preferred style, which is producing wonderful results.
The midfield trio of Jorginho, Marco Verratti, and Nicolo Barella has been the foundation upon which Mancini has built his Azzurri side. Jorginho, who proved so crucial in Chelsea’s Champions League triumph, has been instrumental in Mancini’s Italy with his precise passing at the base of midfield.
However, Verratti missed Italy’s warm-up friendlies due to a knee injury and the most recent Euro 2020 updates suggest he is unlikely to feature in their opener. If the PSG star does miss out, Manuel Locatelli will likely fill in. Atalanta’s Matteo Pessina, who has replaced the injured Stefano Sensi in the squad, will also be an option.
Meanwhile, the veteran Juventus duo of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci will marshal the excellent Italian backline in front of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Ciro Immobile looks set to lead the Italian attack after scoring a goal and setting up another in Italy’s 4-0 win over the Czech Republic.
Lorenzo Insigne – who also had a goal and an assist against the Czechs – should start on the left wing, with either Domenico Berardi or Enrico Chiesa on the right.
History
Italy are undefeated in 11 all-time meetings with Turkey. The Azzurri have won eight of those 11 matches, with three draws.
The two sides have met once in the European Championships back in 2000, with Italy winning 2-1. Although, the Turks did hold the Italians to 1-1 draws in each of their last two matches in 2002 and 2006.
Betting Tip
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Turkey vs Italy | 1X2 Italy @ 1.50 |
| June 12, 03:00 (GMT+8) |
SBOTOP odds have Italy installed as substantial 1.53 favourites to kick off Euro 2020 with a win in Rome. Turkey are priced at 6.40 to pull off an upset, while a draw is 3.65.
With the incredible form they are in, it’s hard to bet against Italy in this opener. They have the edge in experience over the Turks, most of whom are just getting their first taste of top international tournament football. Moreover, they will also have the benefit of home support at the Stadio Olimpico.
Turkey have also been quite shaky at the back of late, which the likes of Insigne and Immobile can take advantage of. Look for the Italians to start Euro 2020 off with a win over the tricky Turks.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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