Italy are seeking to win the Euros for a second time after lifting the trophy on home soil in 1968 while Turkey could be a surprise package in Group A.
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Euro 2020 begins today, one year later than expected due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Italy and Turkey kick things off in Rome. The two are joined by Wales and Switzerland in Group A, with those two playing on Saturday. Italy will not just be the favorite in this game, but also to win the group. They are benefited by having a home match in a tournament that is being played across the continent.
#EURO2020 is here!! ?
Who’ll win the opening match?#EUROFixtures | @bookingcom
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 11, 2021
It will be the biggest crowd to gather in the country for a year and a half. We will witness an Azzurri squad, aiming for a second European title, play a Turkey team which will be hoping to enjoy a better time than their last European Championship appearance.
Turkey have been fantastic in World Cup qualifying with their high-power attack, and they can do some real damage in this competition. Burak Yilmaz may be a 35-year-old striker, but he’s fresh off leading Lille to the Ligue 1 title and has an incredible goal-scoring record. He’ll be a key piece in attack, and if he can turn back the clock again, there will be questions asked for the Italian defence. Hence, don’t be shocked if he has something to say in this game.
?? Burak Yılmaz has now scored 7 goals in his last 6 games for club & country ??? pic.twitter.com/ExPfrBmUNa
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 3, 2021
Turkey should provide stiff competition, as they embark on their fifth appearance at the Euros. They are heading into the contest on a six-game unbeaten run.
?? Turkey came from behind to beat Switzerland #OTD at EURO 2008! ?
Will they beat Italy tonight? ?#EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/2BxCKMAOf7
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 11, 2021
It was all doom and gloom for Italy when they failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, missing out on a place in the tournament for the first time since 1958.
But with Roberto Mancini, the country is dreaming of a second European title.
Italy were perfect 10 out of 10 in qualifying, scoring 37 goals and conceding just four times. The former Manchester City boss has only suffered two defeats in 32 matches.
RT if you’re as excited as these #Azzurri for the start of #EURO2020 ?#VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/l3g6Zvso5M
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@azzurri) June 9, 2021
Mancini has a team that typically deploys five midfielders and stretches the game very wide. With Ciro Immobile in attack, along with Federico Chiesa and Lorenzo Insigne, they can have their way with any defence. But it kind of feels like Italy are under the radar after failing to qualify for the last World Cup. They’ll take it, hoping to pull off a surprise.
Lazio striker, Ciro Immobile, has scored 56 Serie A goals over the last two seasons. Finished as the league’s top scorer in 2019-20. His confidence will be high going into the tournament opener.
Italy (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Spinazzola; Barella, Jorginho, Locatelli; Chiesa, Immobile, Insigne.
Turkey (4-1-4-1): Cakir; Celik, Soyuncu, Demiral, Meras; Yokuslu; Karaman, Yazici, Tufan, Calhanoglu; Yilmaz.
