Ciro Immobile explains Italy ‘tried to tire’ Turkey out in the first half and showed patience to break them down, eventually winning 3-0.
The Azzurri had never previously scored three goals in a European Championship match, but flattened Turkey 3-0 at the Stadio Olimpico with a Merih Demiral own goal, Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne on target.
It was their ninth consecutive victory, with nine clean sheets and 28 goals scored.
“Seeing the fans celebrate after all this time was wonderful, we finally got to come together after so long of this damned virus,” Immobile told RAI Sport.
“I think we showed patience this evening. Turkey are a strong side and caused problems for many top teams. We tried to tire them out in the first half, moving the ball left and right, trying to spread them.
“Unfortunately, we regularly hit their brick wall, especially as we’re not that good in the air. Turkey were more tired after the break, and after the goal they had to open up some spaces, so that’s when our quality emerged.”
Immobile found the net for his third consecutive Italy appearance and did it at the Stadio Olimpico, where Lazio play.
“Scoring a goal on the Euros debut in my stadium, it doesn’t get better.”