Bastoni are in debt to the Italians, criticism for the accustomed

At the Timsah Arena in Bursa, the Azzurri, led by Roberto Mancini, secured a 4-1 victory over Vincenzo Montella’s Turkey, after the 0-1 defeat to Belgium in the first Nations League match. The result reignites hopes for World Cup qualification.

A clear win in Bursa

Italy dominated from the first minute: Alessandro Bastoni opened the scoring in under ten minutes, setting the attack in motion. Before the half‑hour mark, Frattesi doubled the lead and Kayode, on his national team debut, scored the first Azzurri goal. The 3-0 result was already secured when the second half began.

In the second half Pio Esposito scored four goals, becoming the first player to net four in the same match for Italy since the brothers Pippo and Simone Inzaghi played together in 2000. His brother Sebastiano also contributed to the net, confirming the presence of two brothers on the field.

Vincenzo Montella had to endure whistles and chants from his own supporters, left on zero points after the first two matches of Group 1. The Azzurri, on the other hand, collected the first three points and beat Belgium, which was defeated 0‑1 by Zidane’s France.

Frattesi credits Mancini’s plan and Kayode’s towel for Italy win

Bastoni’s words

In the post‑match interview, BASTONI spoke to the Rai microphones, referring to the national team, stating: “I will be in debt to all Italians for the next four years, but we hope to make up for this.” He added that the squad has hit the lowest point and that now balance and patience are needed.

Alessandro Bastoni emphasized that the group is young, with many players eager to learn, and that criticism should be directed at those more accustomed to handling pressure. He recalled that, despite the difficulties, the team wants to demonstrate quality and a desire to win.

The duel for Palestra's strip heats up with Kayode in Italy

The Azzurri thus return to believing in a positive path toward the World Cup, aware that the continuity of these results will be crucial to overcome the upcoming challenges of the Nations League.