Italy Thrash Turkey To Get Off To Perfect Start
Italy roared past Turkey to claim a statement 3-0 win to open the European Championship in Rome on Friday evening.
On a hot night in the Italian capital, the Azzurri started well but were unable to break through their opponents until the second half, with Turkey hanging on at 0-0 at the break.
The second half saw Italy come to life though, with Domenico Berardi forcing an own goal before Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne added some well earned gloss to the scoreline.
Immobile did have a chance early in the first half but, on the wrong side of the near post, he was never likely to convert his first-time effort. Giorgio Chiellini came close with a header, while Berardi, Leonardo Bonucci and Insigne were forced into shooting from range as Turkey packed men behind the ball.
The Sassuolo forward’s contribution only opened the floodgates, as Italy were buoyed by their breakthrough and Turkey suddenly looked a lot more vulnerable.
Italy kept coming and a nicely constructed move ended with Player of the Match Leonardo Spinazzola having a shot saved, though it fell into the path of Immobile to sweep home.
Insigne scored with one of his trademark finished with 78 minutes on the clock, completing a perfect night for Roberto Mancini’s men.
Italy are next in action against Switzerland on Wednesday, June 16.
