Flying Euro 2020 Start and Betting Odds Boost for Italy
As opening tournament ceremonies and games go, we couldn’t have asked for better from the Eternal City of Rome, eager to put on a great show to get the UEFA Euro 2020 ball rolling. The Italians are no strangers to dishing up a treat, and it was undoubtedly worth all the patient waiting.
Following the unfurling of national flags and initial pyrotechnics, tenor Andrea Bocelli, suited in royal blue, treated viewers to a magnificent rendition of Nessun Dorma, evoking fond memories of when the legendary Luciano Pavarotti did the same at the Italia 1990 World Cup. This certainly hit the right note among fans.
If the extravaganza of music and sound wasn't already enough to get fans excited, the mostly partisan crowd at the iconic Stadio Olimpico were undoubtedly thrilled by the Italian performance on the pitch, as they comprehensively defeated Turkey 3-0. Such was the quality of their display, Italy has enjoyed a swift boost in their Euro 2020 winner odds and is now considered one of the favourites.
While playing on home turf was already a clear advantage for the Italians, intent on imposing their dominance right from the outset, they faced a stubbornly resolute Turkey side. The Azzuri pressed smartly and were intent upon laying siege to the Turkish goal, right from the first whistle. However, their biggest virtue was ultimately patience after a frustrating scoreless first half.
Nevertheless, the resolve of the Turks was finally broken early in the second half as the Italians continued asserting their attacking pressure. Just seven minutes after the restart, fortune finally favoured the efforts of Italy when a hopeful cross by Domenico Berardi was directed into his own goal by Merih Demiral.
Having finally pushed themselves ahead on the scoreboard, Italy became relentless in their pursuit of pressing the advantage further. Despite the best defensive efforts Turkey could muster, they were now firmly on the back foot, unable to resist the insistent pressure coming their way.
Berardi continued to torment the Turkish flanks, sending a precise far-post cross which Leonardo Spinazzola controlled beautifully, forcing an excellent fingertip save by Ugurcan Cakir. However, with the ball breaking loose and the danger still present, Ciro Immobile wasn’t going to let that chance go begging, smashing in the second Italy goal on 66 minutes.
Although they could have been forgiven for opting to take their foot off the gas, Italy remained ruthless and continued to press their now struggling opposition, with Turkey rarely able to escape their own half of the pitch. After one such failed intent, Italy recovered the ball to culminate a delightfully crisp attacking move, and Lorenzo Insigne curled in the third.
More than just a mere victory for Italy, this was a clear statement of intent. Even 3-0 to the good, when Turkey sought a late consolation, 36-year-old veteran Giorgio Chiellini blocked any such hopes with a crucial tackle, wildly celebrating his action with equal vigour. It was the embodiment of an Italy side which means business, indicating they are now genuine Euro 2020 winner candidates.