Turkey and Italy go head-to-head in tonight’s opening match at Euro 2020. We’ve got everything you need to know…
Euro 2020 – Looking ahead to Day 1
Turkey take on Italy at the Stadio Olimpico in Group A tonight at 8pm (UK).
Since it’s the opening day of the tournament, it will be the only game taking place today. Nevertheless, there’s plenty more action to look forward to over the weekend.
Players to Watch
Merih Demiral (Turkey)
Demiral is a combative centre-back, who has bounced back well after tearing cruciate ligaments early last year. Turkey coach Senol Gunes puts a premium on a granite defence, on which does not make unenforced errors. Therefore the 23-year-old centre-back fits the bill perfectly. His Champions League experience in particular should be a boon for the Turks.
Turkey v Italy (Euro 2020): Merih Demiral is challenged by Croatia’s Antonio Colak during the friendly between Turkey and Croatia.
Ciro Immobile (Italy)
Who else could we focus on other than the winner of the 2019-20 European Golden Shoe? Even though he’s been unstoppable for Lazio in Serie A, he only averages a goal every four games for Italy. Speaking to World Soccer, Immobile said: “I’ve scored so many goals at club level I’ve used up my powder with the Azzurri! [laughs] It’s true, I do have to work on my scoring rate.” What better time to do so than on the opening day of Euro 2020?
Turkey v Italy (Euro 2020): Ciro Immobile celebrates after scoring during the friendly match between Italy and Czech Republic.
Turkey’s Euro 2020 Squad
Goalkeepers: Altay Bayındır, Mert Günok, Uğurcan Çakır
Defenders: Zeki Çelik, Çağlar Söyüncü , Kaan Ayhan, Merih Demiral, Mert Müldür, Ozan Kabak, Rıdvan Yılmaz, Umut Meraş
Midfielders: Yusuf Yazıcı, Dorukhan Toköz, İrfan Can Kahveci, Okay Yokuşlu, Orkun Kökçü, Ozan Tufan, Taylan Antalyalı, Hakan Çalhanoğlu
Forwards: Burak Yılmaz, Cengiz Ünder, Enes Ünal, Abdülkadir Ömür, Kerem Aktürkoğlu, Halil İbrahim Dervişoğlu, Kenan Karaman
Turkey v Italy (Euro 2020): Hakan Calhanoglu celebrates after scoring during the World Cup qualification match between Turkey and Latvia.
Italy’s Euro 2020 Squad
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Alex Meret, Salvatore Sirigu
Defenders: Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Emerson, Alessandro Florenzi, Leonardo Spinazzola, Rafael Toloi
Midfielders: Nicolo Barella, Bryan Cristante, Jorginho, Manuel Locatelli, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Stefano Sensi, Marco Verratti
Forwards: Andrea Belotti, Domenico Berardi, Federico Bernardeschi, Federico Chiesa, Ciro Immobile, Lorenzo Insigne, Giacomo Raspadori
Turkey v Italy (Euro 2020): Ciro Immobile celebrates after scoring during the friendly match between Italy and Czech Republic.
If you want to see the full squad lists along with kit numbers, then make sure you take a look at our Squad Guide.
Turkey v Italy: Head-to-Head Record
Turkey Wins: 0
Draws: 3
Italy Wins: 7
Will Turkey v Italy be on TV?
If you’re based in the UK, BBC One will provide you with television coverage of the game. Although you can also watch the match online via BBC iPlayer. In fact, if you want to see a complete list of what dates, times and television channels every game is on throughout Euro 2020, then make sure you take a look at our TV Coverage List.
How can I buy World Soccer’s Euro 2020 Special?
Finally, if you want to get the inside track on every finalist ahead of this summer’s tournament, then make sure you pick up a copy of our Ultimate Euro 2020 Guide by clicking here. Alternatively, you can find your nearest store selling World Soccer by clicking here.
We’ve taken a closer look at the finalists and their likely squad lists, as well as the opinions, tactics and profiles from our global network or correspondents. In addition, you also receive a free Euro 2020 Wallchart when you pick up a copy of the magazine.
World Soccer’s Ultimate Euro 2020 Guide is now available in shops and online.
