(Video) Calamitous Merih Demiral own goal gifts Italy lead over Turkey in Euro 2020 opener

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The opening goal of Euro 2020 has been scored – and in pretty calamitous circumstances.

While we’ll be hoping that Euro 2020 provides a spectacle to make this summer memorable, the opening 45 minutes of action between Turkey and Italy were a little underwhelming.

Roberto Mancini came out for the second-half without his suit jacket, ready for action, and within ten minutes, the Italians have taken the lead – if inadvertently.

Domenico Berardi raced down the right-hand side of the penalty area and drilled the ball across the face of the Turkish goal.

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Merih Demiral reacts after scoring an own goal against Italy

Much to the dismay of Juventus defender Merih Demiral, Berardi’s cross cannoned off his midriff and into the back of the net, gifting Italy the opening goal.

It’s a stroke of bad luck for Turkey, the kind that you’d be hoping and praying would not happen to you in a game of this magnitude.

Unfortunately for Merih Demiral, it has, and it may well prove costly for his nation.

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