Euro 2020: How the Juventus stars fared on Matchday 1
We’re only one matchday in but Euro 2020 already has the makings of a classic. Succeeding the forgettable and dull French iteration of 2016, the ongoing tournament has already produced moments that will be etched in our memories for years to come.
I’m talking Andrea Bocelli’s rendition of “Nessun Dorma” to kick things off, the Netherlands’ rollercoaster clash with Ukraine, Patrik Schick’s halfway-line nonchalance and, of course, the heroic actions of some to transform Christian Eriksen’s near-tragedy into salvation.
Even the most vehement of cynics would’ve appreciated the work of Simon Kjaer & Co in Copenhagen.
Nevertheless, while we could write holistically about the competition as much as we want, as a Juventus site, it’s only right that we take a deeper dive into the fortunes of the Bianconeri stars this summer.
So, without further ado, here’s how the 12 Juve stars competing at Euro 2020 fared on Matchday 1.
Italy – Federico Bernardeschi, Leonardo Bonucci, Federico Chiesa & Giorgio Chiellini
However, only two Juventus stars – Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci – made Roberto Mancini’s starting XI. Both enjoyed fairly quiet evenings as a result of Turkish conservatism and the Azzurri’s supremacy, although Chiellini produced one vintage moment in the dying embers to preserve a clean sheet.
The pair combined for one tackle, three interceptions and 11 clearances in the victory. Both, meanwhile, were comfortable in possession with Bonucci’s passing range asking one or two questions of the Turkey defence. Chiellini also sought to venture into the opposition third when gifted the space to advance.
Federico Chiesa’s omission from Mancini’s XI was somewhat surprising, although Domenico Berardi enjoyed a productive outing in Rome. Chiesa replaced the superb Lorenzo Insigne with ten minutes remaining while Federico Bernardeschi entered the fray at Berardi’s expense with just five to play – enough time for his quality, or lack thereof, to manifest.
Turkey – Merih Demiral
Merih Demiral was key in a resilient first-half performance from Turkey against the Azzurri, as the two sides went into the break at 0-0. However, it was Demiral’s unfortunate own goal from a Berardi cross that opened the floodgates for the purring Italy.
While Demiral was the beneficiary of a compact Turkey block in the opening period, a structural change in the second period compromised their stringency. Thus, Demiral and the rest of the Turkey defence were subject to an Azzurri barrage after going a goal behind.
Nevertheless, the Juve defender notched the second-most blocks (four), the most interceptions (six) and the most clearances (seven) for his side.
Demiral certainly didn’t disgrace himself in Rome, that’s for sure.
Wales – Aaron Ramsey
Talk regarding Aaron Ramsey’s future in Turin is rife in various Italian media outlets, although the Welshman’s current focus is solely on starring for the Dragons.
His competition started rather inconspicuously against Switzerland, however, as Wales claimed a 1-1 draw. Ramsey’s fantastic off-the-ball movement ensured he notched the second-most touches out of all the Welsh players in Baku (42) but the diligent Swiss did a fine job in limiting his influence on proceedings.
His quiet afternoon consisted of no shots, one shot-creating action, five progressive passes, a pair of progressive carries, and an 83.8% pass completion rate. Overall, Wales will hope there’s more to come from the Bianconeri man this summer.
Netherlands – Matthijs de Ligt
Matthijs de Ligt missed the Netherlands’ 3-2 victory over Ukraine with a groin problem but is expected to come back into the side for the Austria game on Thursday.
The young Juve centre-half will likely replace the precocious Jurrien Timber in Frank De Boer’s 5-3-2 that looked a little wild and disoriented on Matchday 1.
Poland – Wojciech Szczesny
Remarkably, Wojciech Szczesny became the first goalkeeper to score an own goal in the Euros when Robert Mak’s effort inadvertently went in off the back of Juve’s number one.
His Poland side fell to a surprise 2-1 defeat to Slovakia in St. Petersburg, with the statistics indicating that Szczesny underperformed. He finished the contest with a -0.5 PSxG +/- (Post-Shot Expected Goals minus Goals Allowed) depicting that he should’ve performed better with the shots that came his way.
While criticism for his role in Mak’s opener is understandable, there was little he could do to prevent Milan Skriniar’s volley from hitting the back of the net.
Spain – Alvaro Morata
An evening to forget for Alvaro Morata against Sweden.
While Spain dominated the dogged Swedes, their lack of composure in front of goal cost them two points and Morata was the primary culprit for wasted opportunities. He failed to hit the target from an xG accumulation of 0.6 (the most among the Spanish players).
A huge chance presented towards the end of the opening period following a rare Marcus Danielsson mishap, but Morata’s technique at the crucial moment was unconvincing as his tame effort squirmed wide. The sequence was so Alvaro Morata and one that embodied Spanish misfortune and frustration.
While it’s hard to defend the gel-laden forward after such a wasteful showing, there’s no doubting his value to Luis Enrique’s side. His channel-running means he offers a source of penetration, while his capacity to withdraw from a central forward position grants Spain an extra body in the second phase, often ensuring they overload their opponents in the midfield area.
So, for me, it wouldn’t be too much of a surprise if Enrique sticks with him for Spain’s next game against Poland.
Sweden – Dejan Kulusevski
Dejan Kulusevski’s missed the stalemate in Seville following his positive COVID-19 test but the youngster had returned to the Sweden squad ahead of the clash and will be in contention for the upcoming battle with Slovakia.
His relationship with well-rounded and exciting forward Alexander Isak could be brilliant.
Portugal – Cristiano Ronaldo
The Lionel Messi stans were lively on social media throughout Portugal’s clash with Hungary as Cristiano Ronaldo struggled to have an impact.
That was, of course, until Willi Orban pulled Rafa Silva back in the penalty box allowing Ronaldo to step up from 12 yards and finish emphatically from the spot. The strike saw him leap above Michel Platini as the competition’s all-time leading scorer.
Cola-Cola’s nemesis then coolly rounded off a sweeping passing move from a talented Portuguese side in the eventual 3-0 triumph against the resolute Hungarians. He’s now just three goals away from matching Ali Daei’s incredible haul of 109 international goals.
Overall, this was your typical Ronaldo performance from the past couple of years. He cut a frustrated figure for the most part, missing a gilt-edge opportunity in the first half, and sought to receive possession deep in a mere bid to be involved in Portugal’s patient possession play. Yet, he still came up with a brace. How?!
His instincts remain predatory and this tournament may provide further evidence for Ronaldo’s required poacher transformation.
France – Adrien Rabiot
Some may regard Adrien Rabiot as the odd one out in a remarkably gifted France side, but it’s clear that he’s valued by Didier Deschamps. The luxury midfielder started Les Bleus’ 1-0 victory over Germany on Tuesday night, performing a diligent, Blaise Matudi-esque function on the left-hand side of Deschamps’ midfield three.
While there was little by way of magisterial possession play, Rabiot defended his half-space with the utmost astuteness and proved formidable as part of France’s rigid 4-3-3 block. He won all his duels and attempted tackles in Munich.
A lowlight, however, came just after the break. A smart run helped him receive possession in behind the German defence but instead of squaring the ball across the box for a desperate Antoine Griezmann, Rabiot – clearly brimming with confidence following his strike on the final day against Bologna – opted to go alone. While he did outwit Manuel Neuer, who was well-beaten, Rabiot’s strike cannoned off the post.
Otherwise, I was fairly impressed. Unspectacular but functional.