Italy roared past Turkey to claim a statement 3-0 win to open the European Championship in Rome on Friday evening.
Match Report
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.
Match Events
0' The wait is OVER! The Euro 2020 is about to start!
0' KICK-OFF! Who can win the Euro 2020 opener?
3' Immobile's shot hits the net
17' CHANCE! Insigne's shot wide out
19' CHANCE! Bonucci's long shot wide out
22' CLOSE! Chiellini's header denied
28' Barella goes down in the box but ref says no penalty!
29' Barella's long shot over the bar
32' CLOSE! Immobile's header wide out
36' Insigne's shot saved
43' AGAIN! Immobile's shot saved
45' Celik handball overlooked by ref
46' Sub! Di Lorenzo replaces Florenzi
52' OWN GOAL! Turkey 0-1 Italy (Demiral)
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65' GOAL! Turkey 0-2 Italy (Immobile)
78' GOAL! Turkey 0-3 Italy (Insigne)
Line-ups
Turkey XI: B. Yılmaz, Yokuslu, Calhanoglu, Karaman, O. Tufan, M. Çelik, Soyuncu, Demiral, U. Meraş, U. Çakır, Y. Yazıcı
Subs: M. Günok, K. Ayhan, Antalyalı, İ. Kahveci, E.Ünal, Under, A. Bayındır, D. Toköz, O. Kabak, H. Dervişoğlu, M. Müldür, O. Kökçü
Italy XI: Bonucci, Chiellini, Immobile, Insigne, Jorginho, Spinazzola, Florenzi, Berardi, Barella, Locatelli, Donnarumma
Subs: Sirigu, Acerbi, Emerson, Di Lorenzo, Cristante, Belotti, Bernardeschi, Pessina, Meret, Bastoni, Chiesa, G. Raspadori