Key Takeaways:
- Italy secured a 4-1 victory over Turkiye in the UEFA Nations League, claiming their first win under Roberto Mancini’s second tenure
- Michael Kayode marked his international debut with a goal, while Pio Esposito joined his brother Sebastiano in the starting line-up
- Four different players scored for the Azzuri, while Baris Yilmaz scored Turkiye’s concelation goal
Match Analysis
Italy responded emphatically to their previous defeat, sealing their inaugural win of Roberto Mancini’s current reign with a 4-1 drubbing of Turkiye in the UEFA Nations League. This result also preserved Italy’s unbeaten streak in all 14 encounters with the Crescent Stars.
It was a notable occasion for the Esposito family, as Pio Esposito made his first international start alongside his brother Sebastiano. Pio almost found the net within ten minutes, but Turkish goalkeeper Altay Bayindir reacted well to parry his effort away.
Big win 👊#TURITA #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/DDK1IZTsF8
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) September 28, 2026
The opening goal materialised from the ensuing corner when the ball squirmed past Zeki Celik at the near post, rolling kindly for Alessandro Bastoni to blast into the roof of the net.
Italian Dominance in the First Half
Italy took control throughout the opening 45 minutes, displaying incisive one-touch passing. One such move enabled Michael Kayode to test Bayindir, with Davide Frattesi arriving at the far post to bundle home the rebound. Just five minutes later, Pio Esposito linked up with Kayode once more, allowing the debutant to drill low into the net and cap his maiden appearance with a goal.
| Goalscorer | Minute | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Alessandro Bastoni | 11 | Italy |
| Davide Frattesi | 24 | Italy |
| Michael Kayode | 29 | Italy |
| Baris Yilmaz | 54 | Turkiye |
| Pio Esposito | 57 | Italy |
Turkiye Pull One Back but Italy Respond Quickly
Adverse weather conditions at half-time led to a slicker pitch, which appeared to work in Turkiye’s favour as Oguz Aydin’s long ball reached Baris Yilmaz, who tapped in at the back post to reduce the deficit. Turkiye’s resurgence, however, was short-lived. Sandro Tonali’s curling strike struck the woodwork, rebounding for Pio Esposito to head home and restore Italy’s three-goal advantage. Turkiye briefly celebrated another Yilmaz finish, but it was chalked off for offside.
Conclusion and Outcome
Turkiye applied late pressure, threatening through Kerem Akturkoglu and Arda Guler, yet failed to make any further impact. The crowd in Bursa was left frustrated as Italy, displaying the pedigree reminiscent of their Euro 2020 triumph under Mancini, saw out a well-deserved victory. The outcome spells trouble for Vincenzo Montella, as Turkiye have now suffered four defeats in their last five competitive outings during their maiden Nations League A journey.
