Italy made history today as they kicked off Euro 2020 with an emphatic 3-0 win against one of tournament’s underdogs, Turkey, in the opening match at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Friday.
Returning to a major tournament after missing out of the 2018 World Cup, Italy came prepared with a transformed team rebuilt under Roberto Mancini.
Juventus defender Merih Demiral scored an own goal to hand the Azurri their first goal on the night after the interval at the 53rd minute. More goals from Ciro Immobile (66’) and Lorenzo Insigne (79’) in the same half sealed a comfortable victory for Italy.
The VAR had already saved Turkey in the first half when it cleared Zeki Celik from intentional handling of the ball within the area.
This is the first time the Azurri are scoring three times in one game in European championships finals.
Italy plays the next match at the Stadio Olimpico against Switzerland on Wednesday while Turkey battles Wales in Baku.
Azuka Edokobi is a Writer , a Farmer, a Supply Chain Expert and an Entrepreneur