Italy down Turkey in Euro 2020 opener

Italy down Turkey in Euro 2020 opener

Lorenzo Insigne celebrates after sealing the result at Estadio Olympico against Turkey. It ended 3-0. (Photo credit: UEFA.com)

Anyone that saw Turkey against The Netherlands in a friendly sometime in March would actually explain an entertaining game at the opening game of the rescheduled Euro 2020 against Italy, the exact reverse was the case.

Played at the Estadio Olympico is Rome, Italy, Italy dominated from start to finish and you can count on your fingers the amount of time the Turkish side saw the box 18 of the Azzuris.

Italian coach Roberto Mancini named a very strong squad, with Lorenzo Insigne, Ciro Immobile and Domenico Berrardi starting up front, veteran defender Georgio Chiellini was on hand to lead the Italians out.

The first half was a boring affair to watch, there were more handball shouts by Italy than there were forward forays by Turkey who seemed to have a game plan of defending deep, you could almost wonder if they headed into the game without attackers.

After a goalless first half, a player very familiar with the Italian faces on show on the night from the Turkish side did the honours as Merih Demiral diverted a Berardi effort past his own goalkeeper for the first goal of the tournament.

One would think the goal would make Turkey change game plan, as much as they wanted to avoid defeat at all cost and take the battle to the other two in the group.

Turkey failed to exert any pressure and Ciro Immobile was soon wheeling away in celebration after scoring from a rebound.

There was time for Insigne to add the third with an exquisite finish, completing a quite historic night as Italy scored three in a European game for the first time.

The win put Italy in the driving seat in the group ahead of Wales game against Switzerland on Saturday.