Italy vs Turkey Betting Prediction
Euro 2020 is finally here! Italy vs Turkey is the opening match of this summer’s biggest tournament this Friday. Both teams have been in solid form, while Italy enters the field as one of the favorites.
Turkey: Tale of the Tape
Projected XI: Cakir; Celik, Demiral, Soyuncu, Meras; Yokuslu; Calhanoglu, Tufan, Under; Yazici; Yilmaz
Form: WDWDW
Turkey’s enter with the youngest team in the tournament, but their recent form suggests they won’t be an easy out. Turkey looked really good during World Cup Qualifiers, defeating Norway and Netherlands, before winning two of their three tuneup friendlies. Head coach Senol Gunes’ return to the sidelines really gives the Crescent Stars a chance this to return to the Final Four for this first time since 2008.
Turkey has been known for their defensive solidity and discipline under Gunes, and that’s expected to continue this summer. Juventus’ Merih Demiral and Leicester’s Caglar Soyuncu line up in the middle at centre back, while they’ll be flanked by Lille’s Zeki Celik and Havre’s Umut Meras. West Brom’s Okay Yokuslu will slot in as the holding midfielder, and he’ll likely have support from Fenerbahce stud Ozan Tufan.
Kenan Karaman should get the nod on the right flank, while AC Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu will slot in on the left wing. Calhanoglu’s play in this tournament will be huge, as he will be looked upon to create for the Crescent Stars. After making 100 caps, which made him Turkey’s fifth most capped player, Arda Turan‘s presence will be missed. Lille’s Burak Yilmaz will make his 68th cap in the 9 role.
Italy: Tale of the Tape
Projected XI: Donnarumma; Florenzi, Bonucci, Chiellini, Spinazzola; Barella, Jorginho, Locatelli; Berardi, Immobile, Insigne
Form: WWWWW
Italy’s redemption tour begins today.
After uncharacteristically missing the 2018 World Cup, Italy enters this tournament on an absolute tear. They’re winners of their last six games, and they look like the favorites to come out of Group A.
Annually, Italy’s midfield and defence have been the strengths of the team, but they’re as strong as ever up front this summer. Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne headline a talented group of forwards. Immobile is coming off of another stellar campaign with Lazio, netting 25 goals and garnering another trip to Europa League. Insigne is back for his third tournament with the national team, and the Napoli striker scored in three goals over qualifying action. Domenico Berardi was called up in 2020, and the longtime Sassuolo stud has scored in each of his past four caps. Torino captain Andrea Belotti and Juventus’ forward Federico Bernardeschi round out a great bunch up front for Italia.
Marco Verrati headlines a solid midfield, but the PSG man will miss the opener with an injury. Upon return, he’ll be joined by Chelsea’s Jorginho and Inter’s Nicolo Barella. Jorginho is coming off of magical Champions’ winning campaign, and the deep-lying playmaker served as the glue for Thomas Tuhcel’s turnaround at Chelsea this season. Barella featured and helped Inter capture the Seria A crown in his first year with the club. Sassuolo’s Manuel Locatelli will start in Verrati’s place, and he scored in the World Qualifying win over Bulgaria.
The backline will miss a pair of familiar faces, but it also returns a vital duo. Gigi Buffon and Andrea Barzagli have retired from international play, but the longtime centre-back pairing of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci returns for one final run. Two-thirds of the infamous Italy Wall, Chiellini, and Bonucci will bring brute and leadership to a young, talented squad. The Juventus pairing has over 250 caps combined. Roma’s Leonardo Spinazzola and PSG’s Alessandro Florenzi will join them on the outside. Gigi Donnarumma will finally receive his chance to replace Buffon in goal this summer.
Italy vs Turkey – Players to Watch
Ciro Immobile
Lazio’s second all-time leading scorer will finally get his shot to be the guy this summer. For years Mario Ballotelli, Antonio Cassano, and Graziano Pelle stood in his path, but it’s his time now. After scoring nearly 100 goals in three years, Immobile may be the best forward Italia has trotted out in a long time. Serie A’s leading scorer could make a name for himself if he follows up a stellar season with a big tournament.
Hakan Çalhanoğlu
The AC Milan maestro will represent Turkey’s biggest threat this summer. He’ll be making his 56th cap, so his experience and his creativity will heavily factor into the Crescent Stars’ success. He’s scored in his last two appearances, and they’ll need his best if they wish to tackle Italy.
Italy vs Turkey Prediction & Pick
Turkey may put up a fight, but Italy’s recent form has been astounding. They could be headed back to glory this summer with a stacked, experienced squad. Group A may not be as imposing as the group of death, but this one could be just as competitive. Italy will need to start fast and pick up their first three points here. It won’t come easy, as Turkey will put up a fight, but Italy’s recent form has been astounding. After missing the World Cup for the first time in 60 years, they could be headed back to glory this summer with a stacked, experienced squad. Look for them to start on the right note, and bet on Italy to defeat Turkey. Take both teams to score as well.
Prediction: Italy 3 Turkey 1
Stay with USA Wager to keep up with EURO 2020 betting.
