We kick off the European Championship this Friday with Italy and Turkey going head-to-head at the Stadio Olimpico. Read on for our expert tips and predictions.

Although both sides played out stalemates in their last two meetings, Italy head into this game unbeaten in 11 games against Turkey. How would this opening fixture pan out ?

Highly-anticipated encounter on the cards

Turkey would certainly be a side to watch out for in this tournament taking into account some of their results against the big sides. They lost only once in the qualifying stage, finishing two points behind table-toppers France. With Wales and Switzerland lurking around the corner, a positive result here would certainly go a long way in their bid to make it past the group.

Italy, since Mancini’s appointment, now looks like a force to be reckoned with following a tough couple of years between 2014 and 2018. However, the former City boss has managed to revolutionize the Azzurri as they head into this game unbeaten in 27 games- a run that has spanned across two years.

Turkey vs Italy Team News

Turkey possible starting XI:

Cakir; Celik, Soyuncu, Demiral, Meras; Yokuslu; Under, Tufan, Yazici, Calhanoglu; Burak

Italy possible starting XI:

Donnarumma; Florenzi, Chiellini, Bonucci, Spinazzola; Jorginho, Verratti, Barella; Berardi, Insigne, Immobile

Turkey vs Italy Prediction: 1-2

We expect to see fireworks in this showpiece event’s opening game with two top-quality sides going toe-to-toe. Turkey would be tough to beat in this group as they tend to prioritize a solid defensive shape. However, we believe the Italians should get this job done with three points.