Three players to look out for in Friday's Euro 2016 fixtures

As Euro 2016 moves into its second week, we pick out three players to watch in Friday's fixtures…

Italy's win over a star-studded Belgium sees them sit top of Group E going into their second group game, while their opponents, Sweden, began the tournament with a draw against a spirited Republic of Ireland.

The Czech Republic, meanwhile, will be aiming to bounce back from their narrow defeat by Spain when they take on Group D leaders Croatia, who secured a 1-0 win over Turkey in their opening game, courtesy of a stunning strike from midfielder Luka Modric. 

The day's action will conclude at the Allianz Riviera in Nice, where defending champions Spain will play Turkey.

With all that to look forward to, we give you three players to watch out for come kick-off time...

Leonardo Bonucci

Described by Pep Guardiola as "one of my favourite ever players", the defender has won five consecutive Serie A titles with Juventus since 2012. Despite playing for Inter early in his career, he never made any official appearances for Italy's national youth teams, but has emerged as one of their most sought after players in recent years.

In his country's opening game against Belgium, Bonucci demonstrated his attacking ability, delivering a sumptuous long pass for team-mate Emanuele Giaccherini to net the Azzuri's first goal of the competition.

Having helped keep Belgium's attacking force quiet too, the 29-year-old will be a key component in shackling Swedish talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who despite a quiet game against the Republic of Ireland, is capable of goal-scoring brilliance.

Luka Modric

The Real Madrid man is the chief orchestrator in the Croatia ranks and, as his expertly-taken volley in their first game showed, he can be a match winner.

There's no doubt mixing with the likes of Ronaldo and co. at the Bernabeu has improved the midfielder, whose composure on the ball and range of passing can be a key component in unlocking opposition defences.

All those attributes will be crucial come their Group D showdown with Spain on June 21, but before that, there's the small matter of the Czech Republic to deal with.

Organised if not inspiring and with Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech between the posts, another Modric long-range special might be what it takes to break the deadlock.

Alvaro Morata

Spain's late win will have done little to convince their fans they've turned a corner following their poor showing at the 2014 World Cup.

Among the shake-up following their exit in Brazil has been the axing of high-profile strikers Diego Costa and Fernando Torres from this summer's squad, in favour of Juve's Morata.

The 23-year-old notched seven goals and seven assists in Serie A last season and has been linked with moves to a number of Premier League clubs, with his dribbling skill and creativity reportedly attracting the attentions of both Arsenal and Manchester United.

Flanked by David Silva and Nolito in the opening game, the forward struggled against a stubborn Czech side who defended both resolutely and in numbers.

He'll be keen to justify his inclusion ahead of more established players, however, and with Turkey's back line frailties exposed by a probing Croatia in their last outing, he'll feel this could be his chance to get off the mark in the tournament.