Turkey's Own Goal Opens Euro 2020 Scoring, Helping Italy to Comfortable Win

The first goal of the European Championship did not come in a traditional way.

The first goal of the European Championship was historic—though not in a particularly good way. 

In the 53rd minute of Friday's group stage match, Italy forward Domenico Berardi fielded a pass from his teammate and attempted a cross near the goal. 

Turkey's Merih Demiral, attempting to knock the ball out of play, accidentally deflected the ball off his side into his own net, giving Italy a 1–0 lead. According to ESPN's broadcast, it was the first time in European Championship history that the first goal of the tournament was an own goal. 

First goal of #EURO2020 turned out to be an own goal 😳

(via @ESPNFC)pic.twitter.com/XyfkxPLEiH

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) June 11, 2021

Italy defeated Turkey 3-0 in the opening match of the tournament.