Italy start delayed Euros in style in Rome

Italy kicked off the European Championship with a convincing 3-0 victory over Turkey in Group A at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico on Friday with Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne on target.

Roberto Mancini’s side had been frustrated by Turkey’s defensive approach in the first half but broke through in the 53rd minute when a hard-hit cross from Domenico Berardi flew in off defender Merih Demiral for an own goal.

The Azzurri, now unbeaten in 28 matches, doubled their lead in the 66th when Leonardo Spinazzola’s drive was parried by goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir but Immobile reacted well to slot home the loose ball.

Insigne made it 3-0 in the 79th minute with a confident, curling finish after some sloppy defending from the disappointing Turks, who lost their fifth consecutive opening match of a European Championship campaign.

Italy’s third goal made history as it marked the first time they had scored three goals in a match at the Euros in their 39th attempt.

“It was important to start well here in Rome and it is a joy for us and for all the Italians,” Mancini told Rai. “It was a great evening, I hope there will be many more, but there are still six to go before Wembley.”

Switzerland and Wales face each in the group’s second game in Baku on Saturday.

After a build-up featuring a spine-tingling performance from opera singer Andrea Bocelli, a spectacular fireworks display and a typically raucous rendition of Italy’s national anthem, the 16,000-strong crowd was in fine voice by kick-off.

Italy were determined to make a strong start, but were left frustrated in their efforts to break through the wall of red shirts in the first half.

Italy’s patience was rewarded when Berardi fired a cross into the six-yard box where Demiral chested the ball into the net – the first time in European Championship history that the tournament’s opening goal was an own goal.

Immobile doubled Italy’s lead by pouncing on Cakir’s parry from another Spinazzola effort to knock in the rebound. The Azzurri’s dominance was rewarded again when Immobile threaded a pass to Insigne, who placed a precise finish into the bottom corner with 11 minutes remaining. (Reuters)