Italy revive Nations League campaign with Turkey win

Italy have revived their Nations League campaign with a commanding win in Turkey, recovering quickly from their opening loss to Belgium. The result gives Roberto Mancini’s side momentum before their next Group 1 match against France at the Stade de France on Friday.

Italy led 3-0 after 27 minutes and finished with a 4-1 victory. Alessandro Bastoni opened the scoring in the ninth minute, Davide Frattesi added a second in the 22nd, and debutant Michael Kayode made it three five minutes later. Baris Yilmaz pulled one back for Turkey shortly after half-time, but Italy restored their three-goal advantage when Pio Esposito headed in after Tonali’s shot struck the post.

The performance marked a sharp response to Italy’s 2-0 defeat by Belgium three days earlier. Turkey struggled to contain Italy’s attacks and made costly errors in both penalty areas, while the visitors controlled the first half and ended any prospect of a comeback soon after the interval.

With Belgium and France drawing 0-0 in the other Group 1 match, Italy’s first points have changed the early picture without settling the section. The meeting with France will now offer a more demanding test of whether the victory in Turkey represents a lasting recovery.