Italy vs Turkey

Stadio Renato Dall’Ara is the venue as Italy and Turkey lock horns in a tasty-looking friendly.

Looking to become the only nation alongside Spain to defend the European Championship crown following a stunning Euro 2020 triumph, Italy clinched a runner-up finish in qualifying Group C behind England. Level on points with third-placed Ukraine (14 – W4, D2, L2), the Italians progressed on goal difference alone before back-to-back wins against South American teams Ecuador and Venezuela at the start of their warm-up campaign. Unbeaten in their last four internationals (W3, D1), ‘Gli Azzurri’ head into proceedings in high spirits despite losing Giorgio Scalvini and Francesco Acerbi to injuries. Their sterling record of not losing any of their last seven home friendlies since September 2016 (W4, D3) can only inspire further confidence around Luciano Spalletti’s camp.

Meanwhile, Turkey’s third successive European Championship appearance is fast approaching as they bid to make it out of the group stages for the first time since reaching the semi-finals in 2008. Momentum is, therefore, crucial for Vincenzo Montella’s side. However, history paints a bleak picture for Turkey ahead of their trip to Bologna as they’ve won none of their 13 H2H meetings with Italy (D3, L10), including a 3-2 defeat in their most recent clash in March 2022. Since successfully finishing the qualifying campaign, the Turks have fallen apart, losing back-to-back friendlies to Austria and Hungary by a combined score of 7-1. Arresting that run will be far from simple, especially as they’ve netted one goal or fewer in four of their last five internationals.