Nations League: Four-Time World Champions Italy Thrash Turkey 4-1 To Win First Points
Italy rebounded emphatically from their opening loss to Belgium by cruising to a 4-1 victory over Turkey in Bursa, putting their Nations League campaign back on track. Roberto Mancini's side took full advantage of a sloppy Turkish defense on a rain-soaked pitch, blitzing the hosts with three goals in the opening half-hour . The breakthrough came when Alessandro Bastoni capitalized on a miscued clearance by Zeki Celik. Davide Frattesi soon doubled the lead following an error by goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, before Michael Kayode added a third from a tight angle. Pio Esposito sealed the dominant win by scoring the fourth goal, securing a comprehensive three points for the visitors.
Italy's Nicolo Cambiaghi, left, and Turkey's Zeki Celik challenge for the ball during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Turkey and Italy in Bursa, Turkey, Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. | Photo: AP/Khalil Hamra
Turkey's Ozan Kabak, left, and Italy's Sandro Tonali challenge for the ball during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Turkey and Italy in Bursa, Turkey, Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. | Photo: AP/Khalil Hamra
Italy's head coach Roberto Mancini gestures during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Turkey and Italy in Bursa, Turkey, Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. | Photo: AP/Khalil Hamra
Italy's Pio Esposito, left, celebrates with Sebastiano Esposito after scoring his side's fourth goal during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Turkey and Italy in Bursa, Turkey, Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. | Photo: AP/Khalil Hamra
Italy's Nicolo Cambiaghi, right, and Turkey's Oguz Aydin challenge for the ball during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Turkey and Italy in Bursa, Turkey, Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. | Photo: AP/Khalil Hamra
Italy's Matteo Ruggeri, left, and Turkey's Arda Guler challenge for the ball during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Turkey and Italy in Bursa, Turkey, Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. | Photo: AP/Khalil Hamra
Turkey's Arda Guler, centre right, and Salih Ozcan Baris celebrate after Alper Yilmaz scored his side's first goal during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Turkey and Italy in Bursa, Turkey, Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. | Photo: AP/Khalil Hamra
Italy's Pio Esposito celebrates after scoring his side's fourth goal during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Turkey and Italy in Bursa, Turkey, Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. | Photo: AP/Khalil Hamra
Italy's team players celebrate after Alessandro Bastoni scored the opening goal during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Turkey and Italy in Bursa, Turkey, Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. | Photo: AP/Khalil Hamra
Turkey's fans support their team during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Turkey and Italy in Bursa, Turkey, Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. | Photo: AP/Khalil Hamra
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