Italy and Turkey played out a goalless draw on Tuesday, failing to create significant opportunities in their penultimate warm-up game before Euro 2024 kicks off in 10 days. The match, which saw both sides struggling to find their rhythm, has left fans and managers with much to ponder ahead of the tournament.
Italy, under the stewardship of Luciano Spalletti, entered the game as the reigning European champions. However, their performance during the qualifiers has been less than stellar, and this draw against Turkey has done little to inspire confidence. Spalletti, who is under pressure to deliver results, saw his team struggle to assert dominance on the pitch.
The first half concluded without either team registering a shot on target, a testament to the lack of offensive creativity. The closest Italy came to breaking the deadlock was when Bryan Cristante’s header from a corner struck the post just before the halftime whistle. Despite this moment of promise, Italy could not convert their set-piece advantage into a goal.
The second half offered little improvement as both teams continued to exhibit a lack of precision in their play. The match’s highlight for the home crowd was the debut of Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, who entered the fray late in the game. His inclusion brought some excitement to an otherwise dreary encounter but did not change the outcome.
Turkey, managed by Vincenzo Montella, faced their own set of challenges. The most concerning moment came when defender Ozan Kabak had to be substituted due to a knee injury late in the first half. Kabak’s condition appeared serious, and his potential absence could be a significant blow for Turkey as they prepare for the tournament.
Montella will need to address his team’s performance issues quickly, as their attacking efforts were equally as unconvincing as Italy’s. The lack of chances created and poor finishing will be a worry for the Turkish side as they look to make an impact in Euro 2024.
Looking ahead, Italy will play their final warm-up match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Sunday. This game presents an opportunity for Spalletti’s men to build some momentum and address the shortcomings evident in their recent performances. Italy’s fans will be hoping for a marked improvement as the team fine-tunes its strategy before heading to Germany.
Turkey, meanwhile, will travel to face Poland on Monday. Montella’s side will need to regroup and possibly adjust their tactics to ensure they enter the tournament in better form. The injury to Kabak will be a concern, and the team’s medical staff will be working diligently to assess and manage his condition.
As both teams prepare for their final pre-tournament fixtures, the focus will be on rectifying the issues displayed in this underwhelming draw. With Euro 2024 fast approaching, Italy and Turkey have limited time to find the form and cohesion necessary to compete at the highest level.
