Roberto Mancini rates Italy's Euro 2020 title hopes

Italy hit the ground running in Euro 2020 by storming to a 3-0 win over Turkey in the Group A opener on Friday night.

Roberto Mancini has played down Italy’s Euro 2020 title hopes by pointing out there is still a long way to go until the final.

Three second-half goals sealed an impressive 3-0 win in Italy’s Group A opener against Turkey on Friday. Merih Demiral’s own goal broke the deadlock before Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne put the game beyond doubt.

The result in Rome extended the Azzurri’s unbeaten run to 28 matches, leaving them in a solid position.

“We put in a good performance,” Italy manager Mancini told Rai Sport.

“We were unable to get a goal in the first half, it wasn’t easy, as it was the debut and Turkey are a very good team.

“In these games, you need everything. We had help from the crowd, we are happy and I think the team played really well.

“It was decisive when we moved the ball quickly, managing to always free someone up for the pass. It was important to start well and it’s satisfying for us, for the crowd, and for all Italians.”

Italy currently sit top of Group A on three points in pursuit of a second European title, and a first since 1968.

But when asked about the team’s chances of making the Euro 2020 final at Wembley on July 11, Mancini replied: “That’s a long way away. There are six [games] to go.”

Italy will next face Switzerland on Wednesday night for their second Group A match in Rome.