BOLOGNA, Italy, June 5, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Italy were held to a goalless draw
by Turkey on Tuesday as the Azzurri gear up for their European Championship
title defence later this month.

Luciano Spalletti's side were frustrated by Turkey in a low-key friendly in
Bologna which featured little in the way of goalmouth action.

Italy play one more friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Empoli on
Sunday before travelling to Germany for Euro 2024.

They begin their campaign on June 15 against Albania in Group B, where they
have also been drawn with Spain and Croatia.

"We weren't amazing but the team pushed forward and tried to attack. However
it was the classic match you need to play in order to put things right,"
Spalletti told broadcaster RAI.

"We'll take all the time we need to make the necessary decisions (for the
Euros)."

There was little on display on Tuesday to suggest a repeat of Italy's
thrilling triumph at the last Euros three years ago could be in the offing.

The most noteworthy moment of a drab opening period was Ozan Kabak having to
be stretchered off shortly before half-time with a knee injury which may be
serious enough to have ended his hopes of playing at the finals with Turkey.

Hoffenheim midfielder Kabak fell awkwardly in an innocuous looking challenge
with Mateo Retegui and writhed in agony on the sidelines until he was carried
away to warm applause from the home crowd.

"It's sad when something like this happens at this stage of the season when
there are dreams at stake," Turkey boss Vincenzo Montella told reporters.

"We hope it's nothing serious even if it doesn't look very good."

In stoppage time Baris Yilmaz sent a free header over the bar before Bryan
Cristante thumped the post from Roma teammate Lorenzo Pellegrini's corner
with the last action of the half.

Italy livened up after the break following the introduction of Andrea
Cambiaso and Mattia Zaccagni, and just before the hour Retegui miscued a
bicycle kick from Pellegrini's inviting cross.

Although Italy were the better team a lack of inspiration in the final third
made Tuesday's tournament warm-up an unsatisfying one for the 25,000 fans at
the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara.

Turkey, managed by former Italy striker Montella, play Poland in Warsaw on
Monday in their final pre-Euro friendly.

They take on Georgia in their first Group F match in Dortmund on June 18
before facing Portugal and the Czech Republic.