Italy produced a stunning response to their Nations League defeat to Belgium as Roberto Mancini’s side swept aside Turkey 4-1 in Bursa to claim their first win of his second spell in charge.
Three days after a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Belgium, Italy looked like a completely different team from the opening whistle. Mancini made eight changes to his starting XI and was rewarded with a blistering first-half performance that saw the Azzurri race into a 3-0 lead before half-time.
Big win 👊#TURITA #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/DDK1IZTsF8
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) September 28, 2026
Pio Esposito almost gave Italy the perfect start when he tested Altay Bayindir early on, but the Turkey goalkeeper kept out his effort.
The Azzurri would finally score in the ninth minute. Davide Ruggeri’s corner caused chaos inside the Turkey box, with Zeki Celik failing to deal with the ball before Alessandro Bastoni reacted quickest to fire into the roof of the net.
Italy continued to dominate and doubled their advantage 13 minutes later. Michael Kayode’s effort was saved by Bayindir, but Davide Frattesi was in the right place to follow up and bundle the rebound home.
The Azzurri were playing with confidence and intensity, and Turkey simply could not cope with their movement. That pressure produced a third goal in the 27th minute.
Pio Esposito slipped the ball into Kayode’s path, and the debutant kept his composure to fire a low finish beyond Bayindir and cap an excellent first appearance for Italy.
It’s Michael Kayode’s world; we’re all just living in it 😜#TURITA #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/YlkugG1Ris
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) September 28, 2026
Turkey finally found a response immediately after the break.
Baris Alper Yilmaz reduced the deficit in the 47th minute after Oguz Aydin found him inside the area, giving the hosts a brief glimpse of a comeback. But Italy quickly killed that hope.
Sandro Tonali’s curling effort struck the post, and Pio Esposito reacted quickest to head the rebound into the net and restore Italy’s three-goal advantage.
Turkey had more possession as the second half progressed, but Italy remained dangerous on the counter and defended their lead comfortably. Yilmaz thought he had scored again, but the goal was ruled out for offside, while Arda Guler and Kerem Akturkoglu were unable to convert Turkey’s late chances.
The final whistle confirmed a much-needed 4-1 victory for Mancini’s side, with Bastoni, Frattesi, Kayode and Pio Esposito getting on the scoresheet.
