Italy survived a spirited Turkey performance before a late Pio Esposito goal secured a 3-1 victory in Bologna and strengthened their hopes of reaching the Nations League quarter-finals.
Roberto Mancini’s side were made to work much harder than in last month’s 4-1 victory over Turkey in Bursa. They also had to withstand several dangerous spells from the visitors before eventually pulling away.
Gianluca Scamacca opened the scoring four minutes before the half-hour mark after Antonio Vergara’s cross took a deflection and dropped invitingly inside the area. Scamacca reacted first, driving his finish against the underside of the bar and into the net.
Turkey had threatened before the opener, with Gianluigi Donnarumma keeping out efforts from Ozan Kabak and Salih Ozcan. Irfan Kahveci had also been presented with an early opportunity after running on to a clever pass, but could not keep control of the ball with the goal at his mercy.
Italy looked more comfortable after taking the lead, although Turkey continued to pose a threat. The hosts nearly doubled their advantage shortly before the hour when Issa Doumbia was denied by Ugurcan Çakir.
Instead, Turkey found an equaliser in the 64th minute. A deflection off Eren Elmali sent the ball into the path of Aral Simsir, who had little difficulty finishing from close range.
Italy responded almost immediately. Barella’s free-kick from the right found Riccardo Calafiori, who rose above the defence and headed beyond Çakir to restore the home side’s advantage.
Donnarumma then produced another important save in the closing stages, tipping Ozcan’s effort over the bar after Yunus Akgun had supplied a precise cross.
Turkey continued to push for another equaliser, but Italy finally put the result beyond doubt two minutes from time. Doumbia drove into the area before seeing his effort come back into play, and Romano returned the ball into the danger area for Esposito to finish and seal the points.
