Juventus and Italy legend Alessandro Del Piero believes the Azzurri had ‘everything to lose’ against Turkey and says ‘everyone is on alert after what happened in 2018.’
Italy beat Turkey 3-0 in the opening game of Euro 2020 at the Stadio Olimpico on Friday. They recorded 24 shots, while Turkey managed only one in the course of the 90 minutes.
“Italy were almost perfect, they dominated the game, creating several goal-scoring opportunities without conceding many. They pressed high up the pitch showing personality,” Del Piero, a 2006 World Cup winner, told Sky Sport Italia.
“You could see the same self-esteem they had during the qualifiers. Of course, it’s true that we played at home, in Ciro Immobile’s stadium, but the Azzurri had everything to lose.”
Italy are unbeaten in the last 28 games and won the last nine matches in a row, keeping just as many clean sheets.
The Azzurri are playing their first international tournament in five years given that they failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup under Giampiero Ventura.
“Mancini and his staff are outstanding, then all the players are always at the team’s service and use their time together really well,” the former striker added.
“They have gained self-confidence winning many games in a row. Last but not least, everyone is on alert after that we failed to qualify for the World Cup in 2018.”