Last night’s UEFA Nations League saw Italy overwhelm Turkey 4-1, with Roberto Mancini securing his first win since returning to coach the national team for a second spell.
On 29 Sep 2026 GMT+7, in the UEFA Nations League 2026-27 League A Group 1 matchday 2, Turkey hosted Italy. Italy was led by Roberto Mancini, the former Euro 2020-winning coach, who returned to rescue the team after Gennaro Gattuso failed to qualify Italy for the 2026 World Cup.
In the first half, Italy played aggressively, taking a 3-0 lead with goals by Alessandro Bastoni at the 9th minute, followed by Davide Frattesi in the 22nd, and Michael Kayode, a defender from Brentford in the English Premier League, who scored his first senior international goal at the 27th minute.
In the second half, Turkey pulled one back at the 47th minute through Baris Alper Yilmaz, but Italy sealed the victory with Francesco Pio Esposito scoring in the 50th minute. The match ended with the Azzurri dominating 4-1 away.
This victory unlocked Roberto Mancini’s first win since returning as Italy’s head coach for the second time, after losing the opening match 0-2 at home to Belgium. Italy earned their first 3 points and sit third in UEFA Nations League 2026-27 League A Group 1.
Meanwhile, Turkey has lost both opening matches without earning any points and remains at the bottom of Group 1.