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Final scores
Italy 3, Turkey 0
The 2020 UEFA European Championship has been delayed for a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic but will begin on Friday with a group stage match between Turkey and Italy. The two teams have tied in their last two international friendlies, but Italy hasn’t lost in 11 meetings and has the fifth-best odds (+900) to win the tournament. Turkey is much more of a longshot at +5000, but both teams have plenty of talent.
Italy hasn’t lost in its last 27 competitions and boasts several world-class players. Its offense is highlighted by a pair of talented strikers in Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne, while Jorginho and Marco Veratti man the midfield. Italy’s creativity has helped it produce 17 goals in five matches this year, and its defense is sturdy thanks to a solid group of center backs.
Turkey hasn’t lost in six matches but isn’t quite as explosive as Italy. Burak Yilmaz mans the front lines as its most capable striker, but set-piece specialist Hakan Canhaloglu can make the offense go with his dynamic, knuckleball corners and free kicks. This duo will have to be especially special to keep up with a top 10 team in the world.
Euro 2021 Friday, June 11 schedule
Turkey vs. Italy
Time: 2:30 p.m.
TV channel: ESPN
Live stream: WatchESPN, ESPN+
Current odds
Turkey vs. Italy
Moneyline: Turkey +650, Italy -177, Tie +270
Total goals: 2.5 (Over +132, Under -162)
Best Bet: Italy -177
Italy’s unbeaten streak is ridiculous and bettors shouldn’t make too much of two straight draws against Turkey. A competitive, international tournament is far more intense than a friendly and the last meeting between these two sides was in 2006. Italy’s defense and abundance of creators are on a different level, so there’s plenty of value in taking the moneyline favorites.
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