Italy secured a convincing UEFA Nations League victory over Turkey on September 28, 2026. The win was driven by an outstanding performance on the right flank from Michael Kayode and key offensive contributions across the squad. Head coach Roberto Mancini’s side bounced back decisively from their recent 2-0 defeat to Belgium. They put on a ruthless display at the Atatürk Spor Kompleksi Matli Stadyumu in Bursa to claim a 4-1 win.
Selected to start on the right wing, Kayode emerged as a decisive factor in the match during his senior international debut. The winger played a direct role in Italy’s early onslaught. He forced a save that led to Davide Frattesi’s goal before scoring himself with a clinical finish at the near post. Forward Pio Esposito also found the net during the match, expressing emotional relief following his vital goal for the national team.
Azzurri Youth Lead the Way in Bursa
Following the disappointing setback against Belgium, Mancini opted for a radical overhaul of his starting lineup, making eight changes. The tactical shift brought fresh energy and introduced notable milestones for the squad. Alongside Kayode, Matteo Ruggeri and Sebastiano Esposito were handed their senior debuts. In a historic moment for the Azzurri, Sebastiano and his brother Francesco Pio Esposito started together. This marked the first time a pair of brothers started a match for Italy since 1915.
Turkey, managed by former Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Montella, faced their own personnel challenges. The hosts were missing goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir due to suspension. They were also missing injured key figures Hakan Calhanoglu, Kenan Yildiz, and Mert Muldur. Both teams entered the fixture sitting at the bottom of Group A after losing their opening matches, raising the stakes in a hostile Bursa atmosphere.
First-Half Blitz Leaves Turkey Reeling
Italy seized control early. Francesco Pio Esposito forced an initial fingertip save. From the resulting corner, Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni swept home the loose ball from 12 yards out in the 9th minute. The goal marked a strong personal redemption for Bastoni following his costly red card in the World Cup play-offs.
The Azzurri doubled their lead in the 22nd minute through a fluid passing sequence. This sequence involved Frattesi, Pio Esposito, and Giacomo Raspadori, and it ended with Kayode’s angled drive being parried directly to Frattesi for a close-range finish. Just five minutes later, a similar passing move sliced through the Turkish defense once more. Pio Esposito slid a pass to Kayode on the right flank, and the debutant finished clinically at the near post to make it 3-0.
This explosive start marked the first time since September 2021 that the Italian national team scored three times within the opening 30 minutes of a competitive fixture.
Second-Half Drama and Esposito Seal the Victory
Turkey attempted an immediate response after the interval, introducing three tactical substitutions. The changes paid off just 90 seconds into the second half when a defensive lapse allowed Baris Alper Yilmaz to sweep home a cross from Oguz Aydin.
Italy’s response was swift. Substitute Nicolo Cambiaghi intercepted a loose pass and surged down the left flank before picking out Sandro Tonali. Tonali’s curling effort struck the far post. Francesco Pio Esposito was ideally positioned to nod the rebound into an empty net in the 50th minute, restoring the three-goal cushion at 4-1.
Turkey continued to push forward. Yilmaz had a subsequent effort ruled out due to an offside interference on goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Despite late pressure from the hosts, Italy’s defense and goalkeeper Donnarumma held firm to secure the three points.
Looking Ahead in the Nations League
The comprehensive 4-1 victory moves Italy up to third place in UEFA Nations League Group A1 with three points. They sit level with second-placed Belgium and trail group leaders France, who hold six points. The Azzurri will look to build on this crucial momentum when they travel to face France in their next high-stakes clash.
