Italy rebounds after 1‑4 defeat with Nations League victory

Italy beat Turkey 3‑1 in the Nations League in Bologna, with Riccardo Calafiori celebrating his first international goal. The victory, which took place on Monday evening, came after a 1‑4 defeat in Bursa and marks a swift turnaround for Roberto Mancini of the national team.

In the first half Italy dominated, after which former PEC striker Gianluca Scamacca received the ball via a cross in the 26th minute and coolly scored. It was the first of three goals for the Azzurri in the match. The confrontation took place at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara in Bologna on 5 October 2026. The official abbreviations ITA and TUR were used in the match reports.

Turkey got back into the game after a little more than an hour; Aral Simsir took advantage of an excellent cross from Zeki Celik and scored equaliser in the 61st minute. The Turkish side showed bravery and created several serious chances before the equaliser fell. Italy's defence, however, held firm and did not allow any further goals. After the equaliser Italy immediately resumed the pressure.

Italian reaction and Calafiori's goal

Shortly after the equaliser Nicolo Barella delivered a perfect free kick, which Calafiori headed in the 64th minute. This became Riccardo Calafiori's first international goal and put Italy back in the lead. The young wing‑back, who had not had a scoring chance earlier in the match, celebrated the moment exuberantly. The goal gave ITA a psychological advantage in the remaining minutes.

Calafiori restores Italy's lead after Turkish equaliser

In the final phase substitute Francesco Pio Esposito came onto the field and found the deficit again in the 87th minute, bringing the score to 3‑1. Turkish defender Cakir blocked a shot from Doumbia, but the ball eventually reached Romão's feet who let Esposito finish into the net. The Turkish attack remained dangerous, but could not create any big chances any longer. The Italian goalkeeper Donnarumma made a crucial save in injury time.

Mancini satisfied after turnaround

Italy began the international period with a 0‑2 home defeat against Belgium, but the recent victories over Turkey and a draw in Paris against France give Roberto Mancini reason for satisfaction. With two wins over TUR and a point against France, Mancini can look back on a positive start for the new Italy. The results strengthen ITA's position in Group A1 of the Nations League. The coach emphasized the need to keep concentration high for the upcoming matches.

The moment when Calafiori celebrated his goal was captured by © NurPhoto via Getty Images. The photo, which appeared under the title ‘Riccardo Calafiori celebrates his strike against Turkey’, shows the Italian striker in euphoria and is widely shared on social media. Images of the celebration highlight the emotion of the team after the victory.

Italian dominance in Bologna puts pressure on the Red Devils' chances

With the 3‑1 win Italy closes the Nations‑League‑international period and proves that the team can recover quickly after a heavy defeat. The victory strengthens ITA's position in Group A1, while TUR now has to look for a response to the lost points. This result marks the end of the current international cycle for both nations.