Italy won 3-0 over Turkey in the first match of Euro 2020 (Euro 2021) in Group A at the Stadio Olimpico, Saturday (12/6).
Both teams drew 0-0 in the first half. Italy had a number of scoring opportunities, but failed to thrill Turkey’s goal.
The first half of the match was also marked by a number of controversial moments through the Turkish players’ handball in the penalty box, but referee Danny Makkelie was not considered it as a foul.
Cengiz Under who entered in the second half provided a threat to Italy in the 52nd minute. However, Under’s shot from inside the penalty box could still be caught by goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Italy could only take the lead in the 53rd minute through an own goal by Merih Demiral. At that moment Demiral tried to block Domenico Berardi’s shot from the right.
Unfortunately, the ball that was driven using the stomach actually went into its own goal, making Italy 1-0 up.
Immobile put Italy 2-0 up in the 66th minute. Immobile’s goal came from Leonardo Spinazzola’s shot which hit the Turkish defense and was then pushed over by goalkeeper Cakir.
The wild ball fell at the feet of Immobile which was directly forwarded to the far post and could not be reached by Ugurcan Cakir.
Lorenzo Insigne brought Italy more and more overtaken by Turkey with a 3-0 advantage thanks to his goal in the 79th minute. Insigne scored with a right-footed shot after using Immobile’s assist.
A number of new names in the Italian squad appeared impressive and began to be in the spotlight. Italian Football launches, there are at least three “new faces” that deserve appreciation in this match.
1. Leonardo Spinazzola
Spinazzola did not create assists or goals. However, the AS Roma defender became the most prominent Italian player against Turkey, especially in the first half.
Spinazzola’s pressure on the left side overwhelmed the Turkish defense. The 28-year-old defender also became the creator of Italy’s second goal which was created by Ciro Immobile in the 66th minute.
UEFA named Spinazzola as the man of the match or the best player for Italy vs Turkey. Meanwhile, Italian Football scored 7.5 for their aggressive appearance in assisting the attack throughout the match.
2. Nicolo Barella
The Inter Milan player is the most active midfielder in the midfield. He was able to make the Italian midfield excited even though in conditions of difficulty finding space in the first half.
In addition, Barella is also considered to have succeeded in suppressing Turkish playmaker Hakan Cahanoglu. The AC Milan player is almost never able to spread threats thanks to Barella’s shadow.
Italian Football does not hesitate to give Barella the same value as Spinazzola. Barella’s big contribution in midfield is claimed to be the key to Italy’s dominance against Turkey.
3. Domenico Berardi
Coach Roberto Mancini’s decision to field Berardi as a starter instead of Juventus winger Federico Chiesa was an excellent choice. The Sassuolo star appeared fierce on the wings.
Berardi often overwhelms the Turkish defense through individual skills from the wings. His dominant performance in the second half forced Demiral to commit suicide.
Spinazzola may have been named man of the match, but Italian Football actually gave a plus to Berardi. he is the only Italian player to be rated 8.
