JAKARTA – In preparation for the 2024 European Championship, Italy and Portugal played a friendly match with mixed results. Italy settled for a goalless draw with Turkey, while Portugal beat Finland 4-2.
In the match on Tuesday, May 4, Italy extended their unbeaten run against Turkey to 14 matches. However, the 0-0 draw was marred by a possible injury to Luca Pellegrini, who had to be substituted in the 68th minute. He was seen on the bench with ice on his knee. This adds to Italy's injury list after Francesco Acerbi and Giorgio Scalvini had previously been forced to withdraw from the squad.
In the match played at the Renato Dall'Ara stadium, Italy almost broke the deadlock thanks to a Bryan Cristante header that hit the post late in the first half. In the second half, Guglielmo Vicario managed to foil a Merah Demiral volley, while the Raspadori crew also failed to maximize chances in the closing stages.
Italy, who are not likely to defend their title in Germany in 2024, were less convincing up front. They only managed an expected score (xG) of 0.67 from 11 shots, with just two of them leading to goals.
In Lisbon, Portugal improved their preparations with a 4-2 win over Finland at the Estadio José Alvalade. Bruno Fernandes became the star with his two goals, while Ruben Dias and Diogo Jota also got their names on the scoreboard.
Portugal looked set for a comfortable win after first-half goals from Ruben Dias and Diogo Jota. Fernandes extended the lead after the break but Finland fought back with two quick-fire goals past Teemu Pukki, who threatened Portugal. Fernandes sealed the win with a second goal six minutes from time.
Portugal look dominant with an expected success of 3.05 compared to Finland's 0.96. In addition to Fernandes, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha was also impressive creating five chances, more than the entire Finnish team.
With friendlies left to record, Italy and Portugal have their own homework to do before they start their Euro 2024 campaign. Italy must improve their attacking prowess and overcome injuries, while Portugal must maintain their consistency and defensive resilience as they face a major tournament.
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