Before I retire for the night, I'd like to give all my readers and viewers a shout-out for catching Sportskeeda's live coverage of what has been a brilliant start to the UEFA Euro 2020! Until next time, this is Aditya Hosangadi signing off. Thank you, have a good and football-frenzied weekend!
UEFA Euro 2020 has kicked off with a bang as Italy lay down their marker with a formidable performance. This month's footballing action is relentless with three important games tomorrow, including another Group A clash between Wales and Switzerland.
Italy have been mightily impressive in the UEFA Euro 2020 curtain-raiser and have seized the initiative with three points in Group A. Turkey, on the other hand, have dug themselves a hole today and have plenty of work to do to revive their fortunes in the tournament.
9 - Italy have kept nine consecutive clean sheets, their longest run since keeping 10 in a row between November 1989 and June 1990. Formidable. #EURO2020#TURITApic.twitter.com/UvzsaJrQH0
Italy arguably deserved the slice of luck they benefitted from and took full toll of the match situation for the remainder of the game. Ciro Immobile has some of the sharpest goalscoring instincts in modern football and put them on display as he plundered Turkey's goal with a powerful finish. Lorenzo Insigne measured up to Immobile's goal with his unique brand of class and punished Turkey with an exceptional third goal.
Turkey have some serious reflection to do and will likely rue their approach to this game. An overly defensive mindset was always going to have its drawbacks and the floodgates were thrown open after Merih Demiral's own goal.
The first UEFA Euro 2020 match ends with a comprehensive result as Italy ease past Turkey with a masterful second-half performance. After an underwhelming first half, the Azzurri found their shooting boots after half-time and swatted their opponents aside to take three points away from their first match of the tournament.
FULL TIME: Turkey 0-3 Italy (Merih Demiral 53' (OG), Ciro Immobile 66', Lorenzo Insigne 79')
90 + 2' Turkey finally create a clear-cut chance as Yilmaz finds himself through on goal. Chiellini brings his experience to the fore with an excellent tackle, however, and the Azzurri keep their clean sheet.
90' Three minutes of stoppage-time at the Stadio Olimpico. Italy are well on their way to a comfortable victory here.
88' Yellow Card for Caglar Soyuncu. Italy are in no mood to relent here and Barella and Bernardeschi push forward on the left. Soyuncu gets in the latter's way and earns himself a rather harsh booking.
85' Source of concern for Italy here as Domenico Berardi comes down with a cramp and is promptly replaced by Federico Bernadeschi. Mancini will hope that it's nothing serious, Berardi has been impressive in his first Euro 2020 game.
Lorenzo Insigne attempted a similar finish in the first half but his strike was woefully off target. But you know what they say, class is permanent.
81' Insigne will be thrilled with his last kick of the game and makes way for Juventus winger Federico Chiesa. Ciro Immobile also comes off for fellow striker Andrea Belotti in Italy's first double change.
79' IL MAGNIFICO! Lorenzo the Magnificent finally gets his goal with a sumptuous finish! Turkey give the ball away carelessly in their own half and are ruthlessly punished as Italy's maestro sinks the away side with an excellent goal. 3-0!
77' Meanwhile, Turkey make another attacking change as Halil Dervisoglu comes on for Kenan Karaman. The away side needs to take it up a notch here..
76' Jorginho plays an wonderfully intricate pass to create an opening for Spinazzola but the full-back is unable to get the ball under control.
75' Cengiz Under is the protagonist yet again as he surges forward with intent. The winger looks for Yilmaz in the penalty area but his cross is easily blocked by the Italian defence.
74' Manuel Locatelli receives a well-deserved round of applause as he makes way for AS Roma's Bryan Cristante.
72' Italy showing off their passing skills here with another extended spell of possession. Turkey win the ball back eventually but lose possession with another unforced error. Story of the night for the away side.
68' Turkey press forward in desperation as the ball finds Cengiz Under on the right flank. The winger wins a corner but an unnecessary foul in the penalty area sees their momentum slip away.
66' IMMOBILE! Forget the equaliser, Turkey now have a massive mountain to climb! Berardi finds Spinazzola and the full-back takes a shot on goal. Ever the ruthless poacher, Ciro Immobile is on hand to double Italy's lead at the Stadio Olimpico. 2-0!
65' Okay Yokuslu and Ozan Tufan come off for Irfan Kahveci and Kaan Ayhan. Turkey make an attacking double change and will have to work hard to find their equaliser.
Attack. Attempt shot on goal. Win possession. Repeat. Italy are now enjoying themselves.
61' Italy win a set-piece after a foul on Berardi, but Turkey manage to clear their lines from the set-piece. The counter yields nothing for Turkey and the Azzurri start again.
The first goal in #EURO2020 is an own goal from not so Merih Demiral. Italy lead.
Italy are relentless at the moment and Turkey's strong start to the second half seems to have dissipated into thin air. The Azzurri smell blood here..
57' Insigne now with another shot as Immobile unselfishly lays the ball into the Napoli star's path. Demiral gets in the way and will be thrilled to see his deflection flying miles above the post for a change.
Berardi must receive due credit for the own goal. The Sassuolo winger drilled his cross into the box with a sense of fury and Demiral didn't stand a chance.
55' There's a discernible spring in Italy's step here as Spinazzola takes a shot now, but his shot is parried away. Immobile attempts the spectacular with a bicycle kick on the follow up, but does not find the target.
53' OWN GOAL! You have to feel for Merih Demiral here! Berardi finds space on the right flank and drills a cross into the box. Demiral gets in the way but finds himself in an awkward position and deflects the ball into his own net. Heartbreak for the Juventus man, but Italy are thrilled!
52' Under makes an impact yet again as Turkey clear their lines and the forward leads the charge on the counter. The substitute gets his shot away and draws a save from Donnarumma.
50' Umut Meras is involved in a painful clash with Nicolo Barella and Turkey are temporarily reduced to ten men as they defend a set-piece.
48' Turkey have started the second half surprisingly well as Under takes on fellow substitute Di Lorenzo. The ball goes out of play, and Cengiz Under was unlucky not to win a free-kick there.
46' Cengiz Under on for Yusuf Yazici. Turkey have made a statement of intent with this substitution, this could possibly signal a change in approach.
46' Giovanni Di Lorenzo replaces Alessandro Florenzi. Italy make their first change as the PSG defender makes way.
Right, second half just a few seconds away. The players are on the pitch now and a few changes are being made. Does this game have goals in it? Italy will certainly hope so - a few in their favour, of course.
3 - Turkey against Italy today is only the third time since 1980 (when Opta has detailed Euros data) that a team has had no shots in the first half of a European Championship game (also Italy v Netherlands in 2000 & Northern Ireland v Poland in 2016). Ponderous. #EURO2020#TURITA
Turkey's decidedly conservative approach to the game has worked to good effect so far but clearly does not make for great viewing. The likes of Yazici and Calhanoglu have barely touched the ball and if Turkey do really intend to defeat Italy, their playmakers must play more of a role.
Italy were understandably furious with the officials at half-time and it is safe to say that the Azzurri will not back down in this match. Mancini's side has created as many as 13 chances so far but have lacked a distinct cutting edge in the final third.
Italy have persistently knocked on the door in the first half but Turkey have held their ground admirably. It has been a rather underwhelming half of football with one-way traffic as the Azzurri turned the screws before half-time.
Giorgio Chiellini, Ciro Immobile, and Lorenzo Insigne had the best chances of the game so far but were unable to find the back of the net. Turkey will be happy with their resistance in the first half but will need to step up to the plate to take something away from this game.
HALF-TIME: Turkey 0-0 Italy
Some drama here at the half-time whistle as Italy are visibly furious with the VAR decision. The referee is having none of it and directs the players back down the tunnels.
45' Spinazzola beats his man on the left flank and drilled a cross that takes a deflection. Italy's screams for a handball are rewarded with a brief VAR check, and the referee waves play on.
44' Yilmaz goes down in the penalty area! Clearly nothing there though, the referee is not interested. The striker has been Turkey's only threat so far.
43' Italy with a long spell of possession in Turkey's half here but their opponents are holding their ground. After a series of passes that fail to break the lock, Immobile takes a powerful shot from a tight angle but it's straight at the goalkeeper.
40' Italy are taking turns with their shots - Domenico Berardi this time with an attempt from the right flank. The Azzurri have attempted numerous shots from distance tonight, and none of them have troubled Turkey.
37' Insigne gets his radar right from the edge of the penalty area this time but his shot lacks sting. Ugurcan Cakir easily collects the ball with both hands, that's one of the easier saves he'll be making tonight.
35' Turkey's first chance of the game predictably comes through Burak Yilmaz. The Lille forward finally has the ball at his feet and nearly finds his teammate at the far post. Donnarumma has to dive and punch the ball away - the Azzurri shot-stopper was worried for a moment there.
32' Chance for Immobile now! Berardi does brilliantly to switch over to the left and Immobile rises to meet his cross. Narrowly past the goal post though - Italy getting closer..
We've reached the half-hour mark here and neither team has managed to find the back of the net. Italy have been the better team by a fair distance but will need to make their chances count on at least one occasion before half-time.
29' Italy surge forward again but Barella's cross is easily dealt with by Turkey. The Inter Milan man is in no mood to give up and takes a shot from distance only a minute later, but Cakir watches it sail safely over the crossbar.
26' Turkey are crowding the midfield and are trying to starve Italy of the ball in the final third. The plan has worked for the most part, but they have been caught out on a few occasions by some quick thinking.
Italy suddenly seem to have clicked into gear now and have created a flurry of chances. Insigne and Immobile are getting more involved and Turkey are having some trouble keeping up.
22' CHIELLINI! The centre-back climbs highest and nearly finds the back of the net with his header. He's involved again in the subsequent corner but is comfortably offside.
21' Immobile is a much better shot, and lets fly only seconds later! Soyuncu's intervention draws shouts of handball from the Italians but neither the referee nor VAR seems interested.
20' Bonucci is given some space in the middle of the pitch and takes his chances from distance. He isn't the most prolific goalscorer as we all know, and Turkey are not worried. Mancini will be happy with the intent.
18' Chance for Italy! Insigne plays a lovely one-two with Immobile and takes a first-time shot that flies past the post. The Napoli man should have found the target there, but this is much better from the Azzurri.
15' The Azzurri push forward again as Spinazzola finds enough space to put in a cross. Turkey easily clear their lines and eventually win a free-kick to diffuse the situation.
12' Italy are growing into their game with Jorginho and Locatelli seeing more of the ball. The final ball lets them down though, as Turkey set up a counter that Barella does well to stop.
6' Turkey surprisingly seem to have accepted Italy's dominance in possession and are trying to find Yilmaz with persistent long balls. It's not working though - Chiellini and Bonucci have already won a fair share of headers.
Italy are employing an effective press and Turkey are struggling to push forward at the moment. Mancini seems to be winning the first tactical battle at the moment, but there's plenty of time left in this encounter.
3' Both teams searching for their rhythm here in what has been a predictably cagey start. Immobile takes a shot at goal but the ball had run out of play in the build-up.
KICK-OFF! Turkey start things off from right to left, and Italy win possession almost immediately.
So here we are. The first game of UEFA Euro 2020. Time for the anthems!
Turkey have some serious firepower in their line-up and are not going to back down in this match. Burak Yilmaz and Yusuf Yazici come into this tournament having won the Ligue 1 title with Lille, and Hakan Calhanoglu will feel perfectly at home against his Serie A opponents.
Right, so the official line-ups are here! Less than an hour left for kick-off now and Mancini plays his cards.
Domenico Berardo and Manuel Locatelli have been rewarded for their excellent Serie A form with starts in this fixture. Mancini has opted to field his defensive old guard, as Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini take their places in central defence. As expected, Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne lead the line for the Azzurri. The two forwards are in their prime at the moment and will have to be at their lethal best today.
Turkey Official XI (4-1-4-1): Ugurcan Cakir; Umut Meras, Caglar Soyuncu, Merih Demiral, Mehmet Zeki Celik; Okay Yokuslu; Ozan Tufan, Kenan Karaman, Hakan Calhanoglu, Yusuf Yazici; Burak Yilmaz
Italy Official XI (4-3-3): Gianluigi Donnarumma; Leonardo Spinazzola, Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Alessandro Florenzi; Jorginho, Manuel Locatelli, Nicolo Barella; Domenico Berardi, Lorenzo Insigne, Ciro Immobile
Italy and Turkey have met on a few occasions in the past, and it is safe to say that the Azzurri have been as dominant as you'd expect them to be. Turkey are looking for their first-ever victory against Italy and have their work cut out for them this evening.
Fans love a bunch of predictions, don't they? Sportskeeda has brought a number of footballing experts together to present their takes on UEFA Euro 2020. The countdown has well and truly begun, and our experts and in-house writers have not held back with their predictions.
Italy are in pole position to top Group A but will need to work hard to justify their potential under Roberto Mancini. The former Manchester City manager has selected an excellent squad for Euro 2020 and has sky-high expectations to meet in the coming weeks.
As we draw closer to the game, here is a look at some of the resources Italy have at their disposal going into this tournament:
Italy and Turkey lock horns in the first game of the tournament tonight and both teams will want to avoid a debacle on the first day of the competition. The Azzurri have a robust and balanced squad going into Euro 2020 and Roberto Mancini's experience should give them the upper hand today.
While we could be forgiven for granting Italy the 'favourites' tag in Group A, their opponents are no pushovers. Burak Yilmaz, Yusuf Yazici, Hakan Calhanoglu - Turkey have plenty of firepower and will be in no mood to sit back and defend. Italy have not won a major international tournament in 15 years - far too long for a team of their stature - and some serious work to do to bring about a course correction.
Kick-off is just under six hours away, so here's a detailed look at both teams before we delve into what should be an exhilarating summer of international football!
Hello, and welcome to Sportskeeda's live coverage of the UEFA Euro 2020! I'm Aditya Hosangadi, your host for the evening, and I'll keep you company as we wait with bated breath for what is set to be a brilliant curtain-raiser at the historic Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
Italy are in no mood to relent here and Barella and Bernardeschi push forward on the left. Soyuncu gets in the latter's way and earns himself a rather harsh booking.
Italy are now enjoying themselves.
Giorgio Chiellini, Ciro Immobile, and Lorenzo Insigne had the best chances of the game so far but were unable to find the back of the net. Turkey will be happy with their resistance in the first half but will need to step up to the plate to take something away from this game.
Some drama here at the half-time whistle as Italy are visibly furious with the VAR decision. The referee is having none of it and directs the players back down the tunnels.
Domenico Berardo and Manuel Locatelli have been rewarded for their excellent Serie A form with starts in this fixture. Mancini has opted to field his defensive old guard, as Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini take their places in central defence.
As expected, Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne lead the line for the Azzurri. The two forwards are in their prime at the moment and will have to be at their lethal best today.
Ugurcan Cakir; Umut Meras, Caglar Soyuncu, Merih Demiral, Mehmet Zeki Celik; Okay Yokuslu; Ozan Tufan, Kenan Karaman, Hakan Calhanoglu, Yusuf Yazici; Burak Yilmaz
Gianluigi Donnarumma; Leonardo Spinazzola, Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Alessandro Florenzi; Jorginho, Manuel Locatelli, Nicolo Barella; Domenico Berardi, Lorenzo Insigne, Ciro Immobile
We're only a few minutes away from the official line-ups for our first UEFA Euro 2020 match! In the meantime, let's take a look at some numbers from the previous meeting between these two sides:
Turkey vs Italy Head-to-Head stats and numbers you need to know before Match 1 of UEFA Euro 2020
Paul Merson and Jim Beglin have picked their favourites!
Euro 2020 predictions: Winners and Golden Boot picks from Paul Merson, Jim Beglin and SK experts
As we draw closer to the game, here is a look at some of the resources Italy have at their disposal going into this tournament:
Strongest possible starting XI for Italy | UEFA Euro 2020
While we could be forgiven for granting Italy the 'favourites' tag in Group A, their opponents are no pushovers. Burak Yilmaz, Yusuf Yazici, Hakan Calhanoglu - Turkey have plenty of firepower and will be in no mood to sit back and defend. Italy have not won a major international tournament in 15 years - far too long for a team of their stature - and some serious work to do to bring about a course correction.
Kick-off is just under six hours away, so here's a detailed look at both teams before we delve into what should be an exhilarating summer of international football!
Turkey vs Italy prediction, preview, team news and more | UEFA Euro 2020
I'm Aditya Hosangadi, your host for the evening, and I'll keep you company as we wait with bated breath for what is set to be a brilliant curtain-raiser at the historic Stadio Olimpico in Rome.