After getting postponed by a year, the UEFA Euro 2020 finally kicked off in 2021 as Group A got us underway on June 11. In the opening game of the competition, one of the host, Italy thrashed Turkey 3-0 to signify their ambitions.
Italy were the heavy favourites to win the game. They were unbeaten in the last 8 and hadn't conceded a single game in those games. After a frustrating first half, the floodgates were left open in the second half.
An own goal by Turkey defender Merih Demiral in the 53th minute broke the stalemate between the two teams. The lead was doubled in the 66th as Ciro Immobile poached on a shot after Spinazzola's shot was fumbled by Ugurcan Cakir.
Italy then quickly pounced on a mistake from the back. A back pass from Cakir was intercepted and some quick play saw Lorenzo Insigne sweep the ball into the far corner from a Immobile short pass.
This turned out to be the biggest win in an opening game of the Euros. Wales and Switzerland will face off in the other group today before Group B fixtures between Denmark and Finland, followed by Belgium and Russia conclude the day.
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