BY Jonathan Ledger
Italy scored thrice in the second half to overcome Turkey in the first game of the rescheduled Euro 2020 at the Olympic stadium in Rome on Friday night.
The Azzurris needed an own goal from Merih Demiral, Turkey defender, to spark into action before goals from Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne put the Turks to the sword.
In a dominant display, Italy had over 60% possession and 24 shots on goal — eight on target — to Turkey’s three with none on target.
A toothless Turkey held Italy in the first half but could not stop an onslaught in the second period as Demiral, Juventus defender, diverted Domenico Berardi’s cross into his own net.
Immobile doubled the lead with a fine effort off a rebound on 66 minutes.
The Lazio striker then turned provider for Insigne, his partner upfront, who dispatched a pass into the bottom corner with a first-time shot on 79 minutes.
The three-goal win is the biggest margin of victory in the opening match at a European championship.
It is also the first time Italy will be scoring three times in a European game, as Roberto Mancini’s side extended their unbeaten record to 28 matches.
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