Roberto Mancini secured his first win since returning as Italy manager with a 4-1 Nations League victory over Turkey in Bursa. The 61-year-old, reappointed last month after Gennaro Gattuso’s exit in April, saw his side race into a three-goal lead inside the first half.
Alessandro Bastoni opened the scoring in the ninth minute by turning in a corner. Davide Frattesi doubled the lead soon after, firing home following a parried shot from Michael Kayode, the Brentford defender making his international debut. Kayode then scored Italy’s third, cutting inside on the right after receiving a pass from Pio Esposito to find the net.
Turkey’s fans booed their team off at halftime, reflecting their disappointment after a poor first half that mirrored their World Cup struggles. Managed by former Italy striker Vincenzo Montella, Turkey had exited the World Cup at the group stage and remained without a point after two Nations League games.
Early in the second half, Turkey pulled one back through Baris Alper Yilmaz, who scored his sixth international goal. Yet Italy quickly restored their three-goal advantage when Sandro Tonali’s shot hit the post and Esposito headed in the rebound in the 50th minute.
Turkey fought hard to reduce the deficit in the closing stages but never seriously threatened a comeback. Italy’s win moves them to three points in Group 1, while Turkey stay on zero.
Mancini’s return follows Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, ending a run of three consecutive appearances. His previous spell as Italy coach from 2018 to 2023 included winning Euro 2020 with a final victory over England at Wembley.
The win in Bursa offers some encouragement to Italy fans hoping Mancini can guide the team back to major tournament finals. But the performance also showed how much work remains. Turkey’s poor first half contributed heavily to Italy’s early goals, and the hosts improved after the break.
Italy face Group 1 leaders France in their next Nations League game on Friday. That match will provide a clearer picture of how far Mancini’s side have come since missing out on the World Cup and whether they can compete again at the highest level.
According to Joy Online.
