Forward Pio Esposito and midfielder Davide Frattesi reflected on their scoring performances after Italy beat Turkey 4-1 in Bursa on September 28, 2026, in the UEFA Nations League. The win helped the Azzurri bounce back quickly from a 2-0 loss to Belgium.
Head coach Roberto Mancini made eight changes to his starting lineup. This tactical shift included debuts for Michael Kayode, Matteo Ruggeri, and Sebastiano Esposito. Sebastiano and his younger brother Pio Esposito started together in attack, marking the first time brothers started for the senior Italian national team since 1915.
A Ruthless First-Half Display in Bursa
Italy took control early in front of the Bursa crowd. Alessandro Bastoni opened the scoring in the ninth minute from 12 yards out after a corner kick that Turkey failed to clear.
The Azzurri scored their second goal in the 22nd minute. The move featured quick one-touch passes from Davide Frattesi, Pio Esposito, and Giacomo Raspadori. Michael Kayode fired an angled shot that was parried to Frattesi, who turned the ball in at the back post.
In the 27th minute, Kayode made it 3-0 by finishing a counter-attack with a low strike past goalkeeper Altay Bayindir. This was the first time since September 2021 that the national team scored three goals in the first 30 minutes of a competitive match.
Second-Half Action and Esposito’s Clincher
Turkey tried to fight back after halftime. Just 90 seconds into the second half, Baris Alper Yilmaz scored from an Oguz Aydin cross after an Italian defensive error, making it 3-1.
Italy restored their three-goal lead in the 50th minute. Substitute Nicolo Cambiaghi intercepted a loose pass, ran down the left wing, and passed to Sandro Tonali. Tonali hit a long-range curling shot that struck the far post. Pio Esposito reacted first, heading the rebound into an empty net to seal the 4-1 final score.
“The emotion when you wear the National Team jersey is incredible,” said Pio Esposito. “I played in all the youth national teams and I am very attached to this shirt, and I am glad that everything is going well.”
Pio Esposito dedicated his performance to his grandmother, who was facing health difficulties. Speaking about playing alongside his brother, he added: “It was wonderful sharing this experience with him and I hope to do so many more times.”
Looking Ahead in the UEFA Nations League
With this win, Italy moved up to third place in UEFA Nations League Group A1 with three points. They are level with Belgium and behind group leaders France. The Azzurri will play an away match against France on October 2.
