Italy Bounce Back With 4-1 Win Over Turkey in Nations League

Italy returned to winning ways in the Nations League with a commanding 4-1 victory over Turkey at the Ataturk Spor Complex.

The visitors made a fast start and opened the scoring in the ninth minute. Turkey failed to clear a corner properly, allowing Alessandro Bastoni to take advantage with a powerful finish.

Italy continued to control the match and doubled their advantage in the 22nd minute through Davide Frattesi. Five minutes later, Michael Kayode added a third, scoring on his senior international debut.

Italy went into half-time with a comfortable 3-0 lead and looked firmly in control.

Turkey attempted to fight their way back after the break and were rewarded in the 47th minute when Baris Alper Yilmaz pulled one goal back.

But any hopes of a comeback disappeared just three minutes later. Francesco Esposito restored Italy’s three-goal advantage in the 50th minute, scoring on a memorable night when he also had the opportunity to play alongside his older brother Sebastiano Esposito for the first time.

The Esposito brothers became the latest pair of siblings to feature together for Italy. Previously, Giuseppe and Felice Milano, Filippo and Simone Inzaghi, and Aldo and Luigi Cevenini had also represented the national team together.

Italy had made eight changes to the starting XI following their previous defeat to Belgium, and Roberto Mancini’s revamped side responded strongly. The visitors effectively settled the contest with three first-half goals before adding another early in the second period.

The victory leaves Italy on three points in third place in Nations League Group A. Belgium also have three points, while France lead the group with six. Turkey remain bottom after failing to win either of their opening two matches.

For Italy, the emphatic victory provides not only three valuable points but also a much-needed boost in confidence after their previous defeat.