Turkey head into their match with Italy this coming Friday. This is their first of three matches in their group stage at the Euro 2020 and scene of the action is Stadio Olimpico, Rome. Turkey head to the Euro 2020 as 29th in the FIFA world ranking. Meanwhile, there is a pretty big gap to their opponent as Italy go into the competition ranked number 7.
They did well enough in qualifying to have claimed first place in some groups, but Turkey had to settle for 2nd spot. They managed to pick up a win and a draw against world cup-winners France to two draws along the way. Turkey are likely to exit the Euro 2020 before the final, but could be in for a good run.
Before the first match at the tournament, Italy are heavy favorites with the bookmakers to top their group. Italy had few problems taking a highly anticipated 1st place in the group stages and are expected to go far in the tournament. They finished off the qualifying with an amazing 10 wins from 10 as the most dominant group winner of all.
Turkey vs Italy stats and analysis
Turkey have not exactly set the world on fire lately when it comes to goal scoring. Turkey scored a lowly 18 times in the last 10 internationals creating an average of just 1.8 goals per game. They held on for a clean sheet in 8 of these matches, conceding 3 goals which is an average of 0.3 per game.
Italy are brimming with confidence arriving at the Euro 2020 with extraordinarily good stats from their last 10 internationals. Italy managed a massive 3.7 goals a game, scoring 37 times while allowing a scarcely noticeable 4 goals against them. That is an impressively low 0.4 per game, with a clean sheet in 6 of the matches.
Coming away from their Euro 2020 opener with anything but a defeat for Turkey would be a huge surprise. Though they have proven to be a tough nut to crack, especially against big sides like Italy, a defeat still looks the most likely outcome.
Missing out on a win in the first outing at the Euro 2020 will be a massive blow for Italy who are looking to have a crack at the title.
Stats and facts for Turkey and Italy.
- Turkey unbeaten the last 6 matches in a row;
- Turkey unbeaten the last 5 matches in a row at home;
- Turkey has won in the last 4 of 5 matches at home;
- Total goals was UNDER 3.5 in Turkey's last 6 of 8 matches.
- Italy has won the last 10 matches in a row;
- Italy has won the last 5 matches in a row when playing away;
- Italy has won in the last 11 of 12 matches;
- Italy has won in the last 7 of 8 matches when playing away.
Lineup Turkey vs Italy
Form Turkey vs Italy
Turkey in nice flow.
Results have been pretty much up to scratch in recent matches for Turkey who have performed more or less according to expectations. The last 3 times Turkey played out an international match they ended up with a 2-1 win against Azerbaijan, followed by a dull 0-0 draw against Guinea, before they beat Moldova 2-0.
Italy to continue fine goalscoring form.
Italy keep brushing aside all resistance claiming yet another win to their collection last time out. In their previous 3 internationals, Italy earned a 2-0 win over Bulgaria after which they witnessed a 2-0 win against Lithuania. The most recent international for Italy's finest served up a 7-0 win against San Marino.
Turkey v Italy Fixture History
The last time the two nations squared up against each other, on 15 November 2006, both came away unscathed following a 1-1 draw. Turkey have not been able to beat Italy for over 50 years, but at least managed 2 draws in recent meetings.
Full Time Betting
According to the bookmakers Italy are favorites to win. A bet on a win for Italy will get you odds 1.53, meaning the bookies predict they are in with a 65% chance of beating Turkey. If you want to bet your money on Turkey the best odds are around 8.50, up from 7.00 a few days ago.
Topscorers markets
Turkey are banking on Burak Yilmaz to bring his A-game to the table as he has in recent internationals in which he claimed 5 goals in 6 outings. It is tempting to look for Andrea Belotti to shine once again for Italy, as he has been their most profilic marksman 4 goals in their previous 6 internationals.
