Staff Reporter.
File Photo.
Italy swept aside the Czech Republic 4-0 on Friday with a ruthless attacking display and all-around performance that could make them a dangerous side when Euro 2020 kicks off next week.
Lorenzo Insigne – on his 30th birthday – swept home from Immobile’s pass.
“It is still early to say where we can go, but we know what we are capable of,” said Napoli midfielder Insigne, who scored and had an assist to mark his 30th birthday.
“The coach has created a great group, he has given us the conditions to be able to express ourselves at our best.”
Insigne then picked out Domenico Berardi in space and the striker chipped in a fourth.
Berardi’s Sassuolo team-mate Giacomo Raspadori, a 21-year-old forward, came on for his international debut with 12 minutes to go.
Roberto Mancini’s Azzurri – who host Turkey in the opening game of Euro 2020 next Friday – have not lost a game since 2018.
Euro 2020 will mark Italy’s return to a major tournament following a five-year gap. After reaching the quarter-finals of Euro 2016, they failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Italy are also in Group A with Wales and Switzerland. The Czech Republic are in Group D with England, Scotland and Croatia.