Italy sent out a strong message to the European nations that they are for real as they crushed Turkey 3-0 in the opening game of Euro 2020.
Roberto Mancini’s side put on an emphatic show in Rome as they brushed off Turkey in their opening Group A fixture as Italy‘s strikers were on song in a dominant display.
Turkey managed to frustrate the home side for the first 45 minutes but could not keep up the same level of performance in the second half as Turkey’s Merih Demiral ended up scoring an own goal in the 53rd minute from a Domenico Berardi cross.
Things did not improve for the Turks as Italy’s aggressive and attack-minded style kicked in as Ciro Immobile made it 2-0 in the 66th minute and Lorenzo Insigne added a third and final goal to cap off a fantastic performance.
Roberto Mancini said: “We played well. With it being the first match, it wasn’t easy and we were against a good team. The crowd helped us, and it was crucial for us to move the ball quickly.
“In these games, you need everything. We had help from the crowd, we are happy and I think the team played really well.
“It was decisive when we moved the ball quickly, managing to always free someone up for the pass. It was important to start well and it’s satisfying for us, for the crowd and for all Italians.
“It was a wonderful evening and I hope there will be many more. Wembley? That’s a long way away. There are six to go.”
It was the first time in 39 European Championship matches that Italy had scored more than two goals in a game and these are promising signs for the Italians.
The other heavyweights of European football will be taking notice of Italy’s rise under Roberto Mancini who are tipped as one of the favourites to lift the Euro 2020 trophy.
Mancini’s side is now unbeaten in 28 international games having won 23 and drawn 5 since losing to European champions Portugal in Lisbon in the UEFA Nations League way back in 2018.
