They had some chances in the first half, but lacking a real goal scorer was pretty evident. Their second biggest weakness - defensive speed and cover - Turkey has nothing for. Turkey seemed to quit after the OG.

After the first half, it felt like that was a 0-0 or 1-1 match.

Won all qualifying matches; Immobile won Golden Shoe last year for most goals in Europe (not Ronaldo, Messi, or Lewandoski); Donnarumma is given to the occasional brain fart, but is as good a keeper as is playing; Chiellini and Bonnucci center-half pairing for years (know each other completely); Insigne and Jorginho are fabulous talents.

This is exactly when Italy plays well; when no one gives them a chance, no one talking about them. Also, completely different style of play in contrast to old Azzurri style. Federation was completely broken; and has been rebuilt from ground up playing high-press, possession, TikiTaka. And don’t underestimate how much these guys are playing for the entire country that was devastated by Covid.

Most American football fans don’t watch Serie A, so have little knowledge or regard for these players. But trust me, this is a very good squad. I’m more excited for current and future state of Azzurri football than have been in a decade.

Ignore the Azzurri at your peril (like the English say).