Italy and Turkey Clash in Goalless Draw: Rising Injury Concerns for Azzurri Ahead of Euro 2024
Amidst preparations for Euro 2024, Italy’s warm-up game ended in a stalemate—a disheartening 0-0 draw against Turkiye.
Adding to the squad’s woes, Luca Pellegrini exited the pitch in the 68th minute, later spotted nursing his knee with a cold compress. His downturn followed recent exits by Francesco Acerbi and Giorgio Scalvini.
Drama unfolded just before the half-time whistle when Bryan Cristante’s powerful header struck the post, inching Italy close to a breakthrough.
The latter half shone brighter for Turkiye as Guglielmo Vicario thwarted Merih Demiral’s spirited half-volley. Giacomo Raspadori’s feeble attempt was effortlessly secured by Altay Bayindir, capping off a game where neither team broke the deadlock.
Analysis: Worrisome Prelude for Defending Euro Champs
As the reigning Euros champions gear up for their title defence in Germany, Italy’s lackluster offense is alarming. Despite maintaining an undefeated streak against Turkey for 14 matches, they managed an expected goals (xG) of a mere 0.67 and landed just two of their 11 attempts on target.
