Europe is ready for summer football! The opening match between Turkey and the 4-time world champion Italy will kick off at the Stadio Olimpico, a must-watch game if you ask me.

Roberto Mancini’s side, favorites in their group, are looking to start the campaign with a win. Ten games ten wins 37goals, Italy is looking to put their flawless qualifying record against a sound defensive structured side, Turkey who in the 10 qualifying games conceded only 3times and lost once.

Having the highest win rate of any manager to lead the Azzurris, Mancini has merged both experienced players with the young promising talent in the hopes of bringing back the trophy, with Italy only winning the competition on home soil back in 1968.

Italy’s squad

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Alex Meret, Salvatore Sirigu.

Defenders; Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Emerson, Alessandro Florenzi, Leonardo Spinazzola, Rafael Toloi

Midfielders: Nicolo Barella, Bryan Cristante, Jorginho, Manuel Locatelli, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Stefano Sensi, Marco Verratti

Forward: Andrea Belotti, Domenico Berardi, Federico Bernarddeschi, Federico Chiesa, Ciro Immobile, Lorenzo Insigne, Giacomo Raspadori.

Head to head (Italy Vs. Turkey)

Turkey wins 0

Draws: 3

Italy wins 7

Team news and Injuries

Pellegrini is struggling for fitness, and the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) submitted a request to EUFA to replace him with Florentina’s Gaetano Castrovilli.

Verratti will also miss the opening game but is set to fit Italy’s second game.

How far can Italy go?

Unbeaten for over 18 months now and with a master tactician at the helm, Italy can easily cruise to win the tournament. Mancini has drilled a winning mentality and has given the Italian squad a clear identity. My prediction they can easily be champions. If not, they can be in the quarterfinals.