17 June 2021
Two wins for the Bianconeri at Euro 2020 on Matchday 2, both from Group A. Earlier on yesterday afternoon, Aaron Ramsey's Wales side took to the pitch against Merih Demiral's Turkey. The Bianconeri number 8 and number 10 for Wales, Ramsey opened the scoring for the Dragons late into the first half, latching onto Gareth Bale's excellent long pass before firing into the back of the Turkish net. At half-time Demiral came on as a substitute for Turkey but couldn't turn around their fortunes, as on the hour mark Turkey conceded a penalty by fouling Bale in the box. However, Bale missed the spot kick, but would once again be influential in the game, providing another assist, late into stoppage time for Connor Roberts to seal a 2-0 win for Wales.
Elsewhere, it was another victory and another 3-0 win for the Azzurri in Rome. Giorgio Chiellini though he had given Italy the lead in the 19th minute but it was ruled out by VAR, before the Italy and Bianconeri skipper was then forced off in the 24th minute. However, two minutes later Manuel Locatelli opened the scoring, finishing off a great move with a pass across goal from Domenico Berardi to give Italy the half-time advantage. Early in the second half, Locatelli doubled Italy's lead with a splendid long-range effort, before Ciro Immobile wrapped up the game in the 89th minute. As for the other Bianconeri, Leonardo Bonucci played the full game at the Stadio Olimpico, Federico Chiesa was introduced as a 69th minute substitute for Lorenzo Insigne, whilst Federico Bernardeschi was an unused substitute.
The final game in Group A will see another Bianconeri derby take place, as Italy play Wales on Sunday 20th June at 18:00 CEST.
Tonight, in Group C at 21:00 CEST, it will be the turn of Matthijs de Ligt's Netherlands side, who play Austria at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. He won't be the only Bianconero in international action, as in the Copa America, Juan Cuadrado's Colombia will face Venezuela tonight, and then in the early hours of the morning Alex Sandro and Danilo's Brazil who will play Peru.
