A Italy debuted at the Euros with a 3-0 victory over Turkey, this Friday (11), at the Olympic Stadium in Roma.
Prevented from attending stadiums due to Covid-19, some privileged fans were able to watch the sound, light and fireworks show that marked the opening of the tournament, one year after the initially scheduled date.
An own goal from Turkey's Demial opened the scoring, followed by goals from Italians Immobile and Insigne. In the next round, the Turks face Wales and the Azzurri face Switzerland.
In front of an audience restricted to 25% of the venue's capacity, Olympic Stadium Roma, due to Covid-19, 16.000 fans watched a balloon show with the colors of the flags of the participating countries.
The tenor Andrea Bocelli moved the audience with a performance by Nessun Dorma, followed by a “virtual show” made with holograms of the band U2, who sang the World Cup anthem.
Despite the festive atmosphere, Covid-19 still threatens. Before the tournament, the virus infected some participating teams, including Spain and Sweden. On Friday, Russia replaced striker Andrey Mostovoy who tested positive for Covid-19.
In an interview with AFP, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin acknowledged that “it was not a usual Euro”, but that he was confident.
In the Italian capital, two giant screens were placed on the Piazza del Poppolo, as well as other facilities for fans who spent an entire year watching games on television, without being able to attend stadiums.
Os Italians they faced this first competition in five years – as they did not qualify for the 2018 World Cup – strengthened, after going undefeated through a series of 27 qualifying games.
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