For a country that found itself on the fringes of maximum morbidity and was said to be the bio-explosion of the virus, Italy posted a resounding opening show and showdown on the field to kick off a much-delayed and coveted Euro 2020 in style. To a resplendent opening act starring sempahore bouncing inflatable balls, followed by a handful of soldiers lining up a scintillating display.
They were pumping the stadium with colourful smokes that made it look like a stage for Coldplay going live. The theatrics panned out with Andrea Bocelli belting out a stellar display of Nessun Dorma.
The Story Of The Game That Was Won Rather Easily By Italy
Returning back to the game that saw 16000 Italian supporters being allowed to witness the battle. A tussle between an invincible Italy for the last two years and a modest Turkey. It was a reticent start for the visitors while the hosts were early to signal menace.
After a disoriented opening five minutes that bore witness to scrambled football, Italy started setting into the affair. Chiellini’s glancing header needed a fine save from the Turkish custodian to keep them afloat.
The strategy deployed by Turkey was downright simple. Given the finesse and flair of this Italian side, Senol Gunes, the Turkish coach wanted to simply park a bus and hit the Italians on a break. However, things weren’t really that simple with their star striker, Burak Yilmaz being isolated on the opening channel with the remaining team defending their modesty fiercely in front of an untenable Italian resurgence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkv0AO7vW3Y
After a frustrating first half, Mancini made it a point to amplify the attacks by leaps and bounds. The move paid off handsome dividends early in the game. Seven minutes into the second half and Italy’s fiery winger, Berardi stitched together an excellent pirouette. That was at the end of a blistering run to leave Turkey’s defender, Umut Meras chasing shadows.
This move was followed by a powerful cross that was intended for an onrushing Insigne. However, it was only to be veered into the net by a hapless Demiral. This accorded the lead to Italy and sent the crowd into a cathartic roar of unhinged ecstasy.
What Happened In The Second Half Of The Match When Changes Were Made?
This goal opened the floodgates for the Italians. They simply had no intentions of stepping back from glory. It wasn’t long before they bagged their second goal. That was thanks to their collective brilliance which involved Berardi, Spinazzola and Immobile.
It was Berardi again who bombed past a phalanx of Turkish defenders. That was to feed an advancing Spinazzola whose thunderbolt needed a highlight-reel save from Cakir. Unfortunately the rebound fell at Immobile’s feet, who was quick to respond. The Lazio striker pounded it home from close ranged, doubling the cushion for Italy.
Punchdrunk and disjointed from the relentless barrage of gung-ho from the Italian forces, Cakir ended up committing another howler. This saw him rolling the ball straight at Berardi’s feet. The Italians spent no time in turning it into another goal-bound move. Three passes later it was all poised at the feet of Insigne, begging to be nailed into the net.
Sending the Olimpico crowd into a burst of interminable exhilaration, Insigne powered a brilliant strike. The shot ended into the bottom low corner of the net. It completed the announcement of the fact that Mancini and his wards were here to challenge for the throne.
