Turkey vs Italy:Back an Italy Win to Nil in Euro 2020 Opener
Turkey are set to play Italy at the Stadio Olimpico on Friday in the group stage of UEFA Euro 2020.
Italy come into Euro 2020 on an eight-match winning streak. They have been dominant in recent matches and should record a comfortable win against Turkey.
Four-times world champions Italy will marry vast experience with youthful exuberance this summer, as they attempt to end a half-century of European Championship hurt with one of their most fancied squads in years.
Turkey come into this game on the back of a 2-0 win over Roberto Bordin’s Moldova last Thursday in an international friendly game. Second-half goals from veteran Lille striker Burak Yilmaz and Leicester City winger Cengiz Under ensured victory for Senol Gunes’ Turkey.
Italy, on the other hand, beat Jaroslav Silhavy’s Czech Republic 4-0 on Saturday in an international friendly fixture.
Roberto Mancini’s side are unbeaten in 26 matches in all competitions and have kept 20 clean sheets during this run.
Turkey vs Italy predictions:
- Italy have won to nil in their last 8 matches (all competitions).
- Italy have won 2-0 in 5 of their last 7 matches (all competitions).
- Italy have kept 10 clean sheets in their last 11 matches (all competitions).
- Italy have won 5 of their last 7 matches against Turkey (all competitions).
- Turkey have conceded two or more in six of their last ten matches.
In 11 head-to-head encounters between the two sides, Italy hold the clear advantage. They have won eight games and drawn three.
Italy have an 8-0 advantage against Turkey in 11 meetings with three draws.
The two countries last faced each other way back in 2006, with the game ending in a 1-1 draw. A goal from striker Antonio Di Natale for Italy was cancelled out by an own goal from centre-back Marco Materazzi for Turkey.
Turkey have a strong squad, led by a good manager in Senol Gunes. Striker Burak Yilmaz comes to the Euros on the back of a phenomenal 2020-21 campaign which culminated with Lille’s Ligue 1 triumph.
Italy, on the other hand, will be confident. Their defense and midfield look strong, while in attack the form of Lorenzo Insigne will be key. Mancini will hope that star midfielder Marco Verratti is fit, but Italy have a good assortment of midfielders to pick from.
Turkey will find chances hard to come by against Italy. The Azzurri should control the match and record a win in Group A.
Our prediction: Italy win @ 1.53
