Italy secured a comprehensive 4-1 victory against Türkiye in their second UEFA Nations League Group 1 match on Monday, September 28, 2026. This marked their first win of the tournament under head coach Roberto Mancini. The four-time world champions built a commanding lead during the first half away from home, putting on a clinical display in Bursa to bounce back from their opening-match defeat.
Azzurri Youth Deliver First-Half Blitz in Bursa
Italy entered the fixture following a 2-0 loss to Belgium. Head coach Roberto Mancini implemented a radical overhaul, making eight changes to the starting lineup. The adjustments immediately paid dividends.
The scoring opened in the 9th minute. Alessandro Bastoni capitalized on a defensive clearance following a corner kick, sweeping the ball into the roof of the net from 12 yards out.
Italy doubled their advantage in the 22nd minute. Davide Frattesi turned in a precise pass at the back post after a slick team passing sequence.
Just five minutes later, 22-year-old debutant Michael Kayode capped off his senior international appearance with a clinical finish at the near post. Francesco Pio Esposito provided the setup. This flurry of goals marked the first time since September 2021 that Italy scored three times within the opening 30 minutes of a competitive fixture.
Milestones and Second-Half Action
The match featured a historic family milestone for the Azzurri. Sebastiano and Francesco Pio Esposito started together, marking the first time a pair of brothers started for the Italian national team since 1915.
Türkiye attempted a comeback immediately after the break. Just 90 seconds into the second half, Baris Alper Yilmaz swept home a cross from Oguz Aydin to reduce the deficit to 3-1.
Italy responded swiftly. In the 50th minute, Sandro Tonali struck the goalpost with a curling effort. Francesco Pio Esposito reacted quickest to head in the rebound, sealing the 4-1 scoreline.
France Secures Group Lead Against Belgium
While Italy dominated in Bursa, group leaders France preserved their undefeated record under head coach Zinedine Zidane. In Brussels, a heavily rotated French side earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Belgium at the King Baudouin Stadium.
France hit the woodwork twice earlier through Desire Doue and Lucas Da Cunha. The match remained deadlocked until the closing stages.
Substitute Michael Olise entered the match in the 77th minute. He delivered the breakthrough in the 88th minute by carrying the ball from the halfway line before slotting a low shot past the Belgian goalkeeper.
Group Standings and Upcoming Fixtures
The latest round of results leaves France firmly at the top of UEFA Nations League Group A1 with six points from two matches. Italy and Belgium sit level on three points each. Türkiye remains at the bottom with zero points, increasing pressure on head coach Vincenzo Montella.
- France: 6 points (Undefeated)
- Belgium: 3 points
- Italy: 3 points
- Türkiye: 0 points
Group 1 action resumes on Friday. Türkiye hosts Belgium, and Italy travels to face group leaders France in a high-stakes encounter.
