Azzurri pick the Esposito brothers for Nations League clash vs Turkey

After a disappointing 0‑2 defeat to Belgium, Roberto Mancini has radically altered his squad for the Nations League match against Turkey, putting, for the first time since 1915, two brothers, Pio and Sebastiano Esposito, in the starting lineup and hoping to rejuvenate the attack.

Historic brotherhood in the Azzurri

The last time two brothers featured together in the Italian squad was in 2000, when Simone and Filippo Inzaghi played against England. However, they did not both start that time. The only earlier start of brothers in the Azzurri occurred in 1915, when Aldo and Luigi Cevenini both began against Switzerland, a match that ended 9‑4.

Esposito brothers get a chance

Roberto Mancini has placed Pio Esposito, a second striker, and Sebastiano Esposito, a winger from Sassuolo, in the starting lineup for the encounter with Turkey. Sebastiano makes his debut, while Pio plays his eleventh international. Both brothers hope to match the Cevenini brothers in goal output. Earlier, Salvatore Esposito debuted in 2022, when he scored for Sampdoria; that remained his only cap.

Pio and Sebastiano Esposito join the blue trident in the Nations League

Mancini seeks a turnaround after defeat

After the 0‑2 defeat to Belgium, the national coach has thoroughly changed the lineup. With the Esposito brothers, he hopes to rejuvenate the attack and reverse the negative trend. Italy faces Turkey in the Nations League, a crucial match for the group position.

Italy seeks revival in Turkey under a Klopp-style revolution