ITALY’S COACH TERMS VICTORY IMPORTANT

Rome, June 12: Roberto Mancini hailed Italy’s 3-0 Euro 2020 opening victory over Turkey as “an important win” but warned there is still a long way to go until a possible Wembley final.

“It was important to start well in Rome and I think it’s a satisfaction for the public and for Italians,” said Mancini of the match played at a Stadio Olimpico that was filled to a quarter of its capacity.

“It was a beautiful evening, I hope there are many others, but there are still six more for Wembley,” he added.

Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup but are now on a 28-match unbeaten run under Mancini.

“We played a good match, even in the first half without being able to score. A great team. There was a lot of help from the crowd,” Mancini said.

“We were hoping for another result, but Italy was dominant,” said Turkey coach Senol Gunes.

“The first goal changed things in the second half and we lost control of the game,” he added.

“There was an incredible emotion before the match, it was spine-chilling,” said Roma midfielder Leonardo Spinazzola, UEFA’s manof-the-match after his performance in his club stadium.

“Then it was a perfect match, zero goals conceded and we played great football. We have a strong team, an incredible mix of strength and technique,” Spinazzola, wearing a big smile, added.