Finally the moment we’ve all been waiting for has arrived – Euro 2020 is here!
The opening game of the delayed Euro 2020 tournament gets under way at 8pm on Friday June 11 with Turkey taking on Italy.
And it will be a tough task for Turkey, as despite being classed as the “home side”, they will be playing the game in their opponent’s capital of Rome.
The pair haven’t faced each other since November 15, 2006, when they met in a friendly match, and there is a lot more riding on proceedings this time round.
Here is all you need to know about the game.
(Image: GETTY)
What time is Turkey vs Italy?
Turkey vs Italy kicks-off at 8pm on Friday June 11.
What TV channel is it on?
The game will be shown on BBC One, with coverage starting at 7:00.
Fans can also tune in via BBC iPlayer via the broadcaster’s website.
History
Italy are undefeated against Turkey in all competitions, winning eight and drawing three. The last two meetings between the nations have ended in draws, putting an end to the Blues five-game win streak.
Turkey’s best performance in the tournament came in 2008 when they made it to the semi-finals. They were narrowly beaten 3-2 to Germany, thanks to a 90th minute winner from Philipp Lahm.
Italy on the other hand are one-time winners of the tournament. They successfully lifted the trophy in 1968 when the nation were hosts.
Teams
(Image: Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
Şenol Güneş named his 26-man Turkey squad ahead of the competition, with only 10 individuals actually plying their trade in the nation.
Güneş has selected several well known names, with the likes of Leicester City’s Çağlar Söyüncü, AC Milan’s Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Lille’s Burak Yılmaz making the cut.
Italy, who are managed by Roberto Mancini, have numerous players packing plenty of tournament and international experience.
Their 26-man squad is heavily dominated by domestic based players, with only four individuals not playing in the nation.
Mancini will be hoping Blues’ number one, Gianluigi Donnarumma can replicate the solid season he had in Serie A. The 22-year-old finished the campaign with 14 clean sheets.
Italy have named just one uncapped player in their squad. This being Sassuolo’s Giacomo Raspadori. The 21-year-old forward has represented his nation at youth level, playing for the Blues’ U21, U20, U19 and U17’s.
Form guide
Before they meet in the competition’s opener, both nation’s had the opportunity to assess their squads, with Turkey beating Moldova 2-0 on June 3 and Italy 4-0 winners against Czech Republic the following day.
How each team will line-up for the match will be interesting to see. The Blues have played with both a 3-5-2 and 4-3-3 formation as of late, but it’s the latter that Mancini seems to prefer.
Turkey have also been experimental with their lineup. However, their most frequently used formation is the 4-4-2.
How will each team fare in the tournament? Have your say below.
