Prediction and odds for the game: Turkey (7/1) vs Italy (1/2)

We are backing the Italy win

When: Friday, 11th June 2021, Kick-off 20:00

Where: The Stadio Olimpico

On Friday night, Turkey and Italy meet in Rome in the first game of Euro 2020. The pair will be hoping to get off to a winning start in Group A, which also contains Wales and Switzerland.

Turkey

Senol Gunes team heads into this game in confident mood on a six-game unbeaten run in the international game, a run which has included four victories. Their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign showed how strong Turkey are, as they finished second to world champions France, suffering just one defeat and winning seven of their ten qualifiers. They also had the strongest defensive record of any team in qualifying, conceding just three goals.

That defensive solidity could prove vital if they are to make it to the competition’s knockout stages. They have qualified for just four European Championships finals, with their biggest achievement coming third place in 2008.

Last time out in the European Championships they failed to get out of the group stage, winning just one of their three group games. However, there are high hopes that this current team will fare far better.

Italy

If Turkey’s record in qualification was a good one, then Italy’s was sensational, as the Azzurri won all ten of their matches in a comfortable group for Roberto Mancini’s team. Like their opponents, Italy were strong at the back in qualifying, conceding just four goals. However, at the other end of the pitch, they really shined, as only Belgium scored more goals in qualifying for the European Championships.

With the attacking talents of the likes of Ciro Immobile, Moise Kean and Andrea Belotti available to Mancini, it is no major surprise that the Azzurri shone in front of goal in qualifying.

Italy’s recent form has also been impressive, as they are now 27 international games unbeaten, including winning their last eight matches. Unsurprisingly, they have been impressive at both ends of the pitch in those recent victories, keeping eight straight clean sheets, while keeping clean sheets in all eight of the victories.

Everything looks promising for the Azzurri heading into this clash. The one slight negative for Mancini’s team is that PSG midfielder Marco Verratti is a fitness doubt, as he has not featured in the build-up games.

Conclusion

This could be a fascinating clash between two very good defensive teams. It seems unlikely to be a goal-fest and could be a tight game. We are backing Italy to record a narrow, win, but it could very easily also finish in a draw. The other bet we recommend is under 2.5 goals scored, as both teams are so well organised and are unlikely to give much away in this opener.

Verdict: We are backing the Italy win at odds of 1/2 and/or under 2.5 goals scored at odds of 8/13. (All odds are taken from Bet365)

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Who will come out on top between Turkey and Italy in the Euro 2020 opener?