Italy produced a commanding response to their opening UEFA Nations League defeat, beating Türkiye 4–1 in Bursa on Monday to claim their first points in Group A1. The Azzurri took control from the opening stages at the Atatürk Sports Complex Matlı Stadium, scoring three times in the first half before……
Italy produced a commanding response to their opening UEFA Nations League defeat, beating Türkiye 4–1 in Bursa on Monday to claim their first points in Group A1.
The Azzurri took control from the opening stages at the Atatürk Sports Complex Matlı Stadium, scoring three times in the first half before adding another shortly after the restart.
Alessandro Bastoni opened the scoring in the ninth minute after Italy capitalised on a defensive lapse from the hosts. The defender reacted quickest inside the box to put Roberto Mancini’s side ahead.
Italy doubled their advantage in the 22nd minute when Davide Frattesi found the net, further punishing Türkiye after a difficult opening period.
Michael Kayode then made it 3–0 five minutes later, with the goal marking a memorable senior international debut for the Italy defender.
Türkiye returned from the interval with renewed purpose and quickly reduced the deficit through Barış Alper Yılmaz, who scored in the 47th minute.
Any hopes of a comeback were short-lived, however, as Francesco Pio Esposito restored Italy’s three-goal advantage just three minutes later. The forward headed home in the 50th minute to complete the scoring.
The result marked a significant turnaround for Italy, who had opened their Nations League campaign with a 2–0 home defeat to Belgium on September 25. Türkiye had also lost their opening Group A1 fixture, going down 1–0 to France.
Mancini made eight changes to the Italy side that started against Belgium, with Bastoni returning after suspension. The reshuffled team delivered an emphatic performance as Italy scored four goals away from home.
The victory moves Italy onto three points in Group A1, while Türkiye remain without a point after two matches.
Italy will next face France in Paris on October 2, while Türkiye will travel to face Belgium on the same day.
The two teams are scheduled to meet again in the reverse fixture in Bologna on October 5.
Credit to our Media Partner TVC News .
