Opening Match of EURO 2021: Turkey Vs ITALY

Previous Records: Italy's only European title was in 1968, with Turkey's best effort a run to the semi-finals at Euro 2008.

 

Italy coach Roberto Mancini opted for a 4-3-3 formation for Italy's return to a major tournament for the first time in five years after missing out on the 2018 World Cup.

In-form captain Burak Yilmaz starts for Turkey, as does his Lille teammate Yusuf Yazici, who scored a hat-trick past Donnarumma in the Europa League last November.

Juventus center-back Merih Demiral is part of a four-man Turkish defense. 

First Attempt: Italy has started brightly with Florenzi gunning down the right-wing as he chased down a heavy pass in behind and then keeping Ugurcan Cakır alert at his near post as he cut back into the path of Immobile. The Italian striker shot wide. 

A stalemate in the mid-field ...It seems both the teams are cautious in their defense and ready to take down any chances the opposition creates. Who will break ahead first? 

Lorenzo Insigne with the first real chance of the game, after a good one-two Nicolo Barella, but he misses. Italy is getting more control on the game and keeping more possession of the ball currently.

Ugurcan Cakir though is there in goal as he jumps high and tips the perfect heard of Chiellini out from the goal, wonderful attempt. 

At the break as Turkey have sat deep and defended diligently so far keeping all the efforts of the Italian attacks at bay. 

Domenico Berardi made an adventurous run down the right flank and as he tried to square the ball back in the dangerous six-yard box, unfortunately, Merih Demiral diverted it into his own net. Nothing but the most unlucky case for any stopper any day....1-0 Italy goes ahead.

The ball was dropping back from the save of the goalkeeper to Cakir, by the terrific save from Spinazzola's powerful low strike. But the 31-year-old Lazio striker calmly slots the ball past the desperate keeper into the far corner of the net....A perfect poachers goal. 2-0 Italy

Insigne is played on the ball after an error from Turkey, and from six yards out, he produces a lovely curling first-time finish into the far post. 3-0 Italy.

Italy impressed in a 3-0 win over Turkey. All the goals came in the second half in front of a Stadio Olimpico.

Picture Courtesy: UEFA.com

UEFA EURO ::: Who will get the crown?

 It is the time of the UEFA EURO and we have brought our analysis of the exciting Football event as a usual overview of what is happening & what the rules say...

Currently, there are SIX groups in the UEFA EURO, and the countries which will be playing against each other are as following: 

Now let us have a look at the details of each teams from different groups:

Turkey: 

Past Best Record in UEFA: Semi-Finals in 2008

Top Scorer in Qualifier : Cenk Tousun

Coach: Senol Gunes

Key Player : Cenk Tousun. The Everton striker became the first-ever Turkish player to win the Golden Boot at the European championship.

Turkey missed the chance to qualify for the last 3 consecutive World Cups, and the last time they qualified was with the same coach Senol Gunes, who took their team to 3ed place in 2002. 

Turkey finished second in their qualifying round, only 2 points behind France. They were unbeaten against France in Paris when they Drew 1-1, and then beat the world champions  2-0  at home. 

Italy :

Past Best Record in UEFA: Winners in 1968

Top Scorer in Qualifier: Andrea Bellotti 

Coach: Robert Mancini

Key Player : Marco Varatti

After this shocking casualty of Russia 2018, it was very difficult for a Powerhouse like Italy to digest the happenings. But Mancini seems to pick up the reins, settling revamping, re-uniting the players, keeping guard, and placing more responsibility in younger players like Sandro Tonali. 

Italy qualified for this edition of EURO in style, winning all 10 games, scoring 37 goals, and conceding just 4 in all the games. 

WALES :

Past Best Record in UEFA: Semi-Finals (2016)

Top Scorer in Qualifier : Gareth Bale, Aron Ramsey, Kiffer More

Coach : Robert Page

Key Player : Gareth Bale

The disappointment of missing the 2018 World Cup , Wales enjoyed a great time in 20/21 UEFA Champions league ,earning promotion to League A as unbeaten Group B Winners. 

Switzerland :

Past Best Record in UEFA: Round of 16 (2016)

Top Scorer in Qualifier : Cedric Itten

Coach : Robert PageVladimir Pektovic

Key Player : Granit Xhaka

Zhaka, the key-hold which glues the team around has got their team into the qualifier from one of the toughest group, while losing 1 and picked 17 points from the group stage. Switzeralnd has proved their toughness over Denmark & Ireland in the stages, but will be team to watch in this UEFA Cup for sure as they are destined to do better than their previous tally in UEFA.

 

For more details keep on checking and we will provide you with all the team's details and necessary tech updates regarding the UEFA 2021...