Italy got their Euro 2000 campaign off to a winning start with a 2-1 victory over Turkey in an entertaining Group B clash in Arnhem today. Traditionally slow to start in tournament play, Italy quickly found their stride and put the Turks under severe pressure from the start.
In an eventful first half Italy went close on a number of occasions as Totti and Fiore dominated. However, it remained scoreless until the interval, but an early flourish in the second half brought the Italians just reward.
An opportunist goal from midfielder Antonio Conte gave Italy a deserved 52nd minute lead, but Turkey clawed their way back into the game with a strike from Okan after 61 minutes. Filippo Inzaghi restored the Azzurri's lead 9 minutes later with a well despatched penalty.
Captain Maldini and Inzaghi were best for the Italians, while Akyel and Korkut produced noteworthy displays for the Turks. The result moves Italy joint top of Qualifying Group B alongside Belgium, who they meet in Brussels on Wednesday.
PA Sports
