Italy faced a challenging pitch and heavy rain in Turkey, conditions that did little to hinder Roberto Mancini’s side from racing to a 3-0 lead by the 27th minute. In stark contrast to the lackluster hosts, the Azzurri, eager to bounce back after their 0-2 defeat to Belgium, capitalized effortlessly on Turkish errors.
The opening goal came when Celik failed to mark Bastoni near the corner flag. Soon after, Frattesi intercepted a loose ball from goalkeeper Bayindir to double the lead. The third goal was netted by debutant Kayode, cementing Italy’s dominance early on.
After the break, Baris Yilmaz pulled one back for Turkey following a mistake by Donnarumma. However, another misdirected clearance by Bayindir set up Tonali for a shot that struck the post, allowing Pio Esposito to score on the rebound with a header, restoring Italy’s three-goal cushion.
UEFA Nations League 2026-27
Turkey 1–4 Italy (0–3)
Goals: Bastoni 9′ (0–1); Frattesi 22′ (0–2); Kayode M. 27′ (0–3); Yilmaz B. 47′ (1–3); Pio Esposito 50′ (1–4)
Turkey lineup: Bayindir; Celik; Demiral (subbed off for Bardakci, 46′); Elmali; Kabak; Ozkan S. (replaced by Tiknaz, 76′); Kökcü (off for Yuksek, 46′); Guler A.; Uzun (subbed for Akturkoglu, 46′); Aydin O.; Yilmaz B. (off for Gul D., 80′)
Substitutions: Bardakci (46′), Yuksek (46′), Akturkoglu (46′), Tiknaz (76′), Gul D. (80′)
Reserves: Sengezer; Kojuk; Akaydin; Kahvedji I.; Akgun Y.; Kadioglu; Eskikellac
Yellow cards: Uzun 38′; Yilmaz B. 54′; Kabak 72′
Italy lineup: Donnarumma J.; Kayode M.; Ruggeri; Scalvini; Bastoni; Tonali; Fagioli (off for Romano, 76′); Frattesi (replaced by Di Lorenzo, 82′); Pio Esposito (subbed off for Scamacca, 75′); Raspadori (off for Cambiaghi, 46′); Esposito Se. (subbed for Dumbia, 63′)
Substitutions: Cambiaghi (46′), Dumbia (63′), Scamacca (75′), Romano (76′), Di Lorenzo (82′)
Reserves: Carnesecchi; Vicario G.; Calafiori; Ghilardi; Mandragora; Vergara A.; Qin Mo.
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