Mueez Ajao
Three defensive mishaps on the part of Turkey crowned Italy’s assaults on Saturday night as they opened Euro 2020 with a 3-0 victory.
Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne both scored in the Group A opener.
– Playing their first major tournament in five years after failing to qualify for the 2018 world Cup, all the goals came in the second half in front of a Stadio Olimpico that was filled to a quarter of its capacity.
– Merih Demiral’s own goal put Italy ahead before Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne netted for Roberto Mancini’s side in the Group A opener.
– The win capped an emotional night in the Italian capital which saw 16,000 fans return to the Stadio Olimpico.
– A spectacular sound and light show and fireworks preceded kick-off for the month-long 24-team event, which will be played across 11 countries having been delayed for a year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
– There was a performance by the Italian National Police orchestra, a parade of huge inflatable balloons on the pitch, tenor Andrea Bocelli sang ‘Nessun Dorma’ before a virtual performance from Martin Garrix, Bono and The Edge.
– Former Italy World Cup winners Alessandro Nesta and Francesco Totti, who played for Lazio and Roma during their careers at the Stadio Olimpico, carried the ball to the centre of the pitch before kick-off.
– On the pitch, Italy dominated early on with a three-man attack led by Immobile, who plays for Lazio.
– The 31-year-old had several near misses in the first half, coming up against a solid Turkey defence who held their own.
– Ciro Immobile told RAI Sport: “Seeing the fans celebrate after all this time was wonderful, we finally got to come together after so long of this damned virus.
– “I think we showed patience this evening. Turkey are a strong side and caused problems for many top teams. We tried to tire them out in the first half, moving the ball left and right, trying to spread them.
– “Unfortunately, we regularly hit their brick wall, especially as we’re not that good in the air. Turkey were more tired after the break, and after the goal they had to open up some spaces, so that’s when our quality emerged.
– “Scoring a goal on the Euros debut in my stadium, it doesn’t get better.”
– Mancini’s side – who played with great energy off the ball – are now unbeaten in 28 internationals (W23 D5) since going down 1-0 to Portugal in Lisbon in the UEFA Nations League in 2018.
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