Turkey vs Italy UEFA EURO 2020 preview: where to watch, team news, form guide

Italy take on Turkey in UEFA EURO 2020 Group A in Rome on Friday 11 June at 21:00 CET.

What's the story?

The small matter of the opening game of UEFA EURO 2020 – at last; this is sure to be a tournament opener with an extra special feel. Italy are unbeaten in 27 fixtures and will have the added boost of home advantage at the Olimpico in Rome, with Turkey looking to avoid defeat in their first match of a EURO at the fifth time of asking.

Where to watch the game on TV

Fans can find their local UEFA EURO 2020 broadcast partner(s) here.

Starting line-ups

Turkey: Uğurcan Çakır; Zeki Çelik, Merih Demiral, Çağlar Söyüncü, Umut Meraş; Okay Yokuşlu, Ozan Tufan, Yusuf Yazıcı, Kenan Karaman, Hakan Çalhanoğlu; Burak Yılmaz

Italy: Donnarumma; Florenzi, Bonucci, Chiellini, Spinazzola; Barella, Jorginho, Locatelli; Berardi, Immobile, Insigne

Reporters' views

Görkem Kirgiz, Turkey reporter: With dramatic comebacks and last-minute drama, Turkey have brought plenty of excitement to past EUROs, and Şenol Güneş has high hopes for this youthful team. The coach has made it clear that he is not coming to Rome in the hope of snatching a point; he wants to see his side play stylish football, and if they get everything right, they can cause a big upset in the opening match.

Paolo Menicucci, Italy reporter: The Azzurri have not lost a game since 2018 and are yet to concede a goal in 2021 but Turkey are certainly stronger than many teams Italy have faced recently. Still I see great enthusiasm in the camp. The Azzurri were brilliant in their last test ahead of EURO when they scored four against Czech Republic with glimpses of spectacular football, especially in attack where Lorenzo Insigne, Ciro Immobile and Domenico Berardi were all on target.

What the coaches say

Şenol Güneş, Turkey coach: "The result we get in the first match is important; a draw or a win can cause confusion in the group. I hope so. I want to see our strength in the first match; even if we lose, it's important to play well. I hope it's going to be a great game, an enjoyable game ... and that we win!"

Roberto Mancini, Italy coach: "We must respect Turkey, they are a side full of talent. The opener is always difficult, and there will be plenty of emotions but you can't get too carried away. I don't think there is an excess of enthusiasm: The fans can have that; we know who we are up against. The desire to be protagonists at this EURO is huge but this is a match to be played with lightheartedness. We can do it!"

Form guide (most recent first)

Turkey: WDWDWW
Italy: WWWWWW