Italy shows signs of life with a goal fest in Nations League debut

In the rain in Bursa, at the Bursa Büyüksehir Belediye Stadium, 43,361 fans watched as the Italians took the lead already after nine minutes through Alessandro Bastoni and later won the match 4-1 (3-0 at half‑time).

First Victory in the Second Era

After Roberto Mancini's botched comeback as head coach against Belgium, the Squadra Azzurra gave a strong sign of life. According to Ozan Kose of APA/AFP it was the first win in the second era of the 2021 European‑champion coach. In less than half an hour Italy was already on the winning road in Bursa.

Alessandro Bastoni scored in the ninth minute, Davide Frattesi doubled the lead in the 22nd minute and Michael Kayode made it 3‑0 in the 27th minute. Baris Alper Yilmaz gave the Turks an equaliser after the break in the 47th minute, but Francesco Pio Esposito responded just three minutes later for the fourth Italian goal.

Tables and Upcoming Duels

The win put the Azzurri, who had missed out on a World Cup for the third consecutive time, level on points with Belgium in Group A1. In the standings the French, who had already beaten Turkey 1‑0, lead with a maximum six points. On Friday France will host Italy in a big prestige duel, while Belgium will welcome the still‑pointless Turks.

Ricci excluded, Kean seeks goals: clashes between Italy and France

France's head coach Zinedine Zidane fielded nine new players, including debutants Jeremy Jacquet, Andy Diouf and Lucas da Cunha. With the injured Kylian Mbappé absent, Bradley Barcola and Desire Doué supported the midfield, and Michael Olise secured the win for Les Bleus in the 88th minute. Zidane reacted emotionally on the sidelines.

Mark van Bommel, the new coach of the Red Devils, suffered his first disaster after Belgium had beaten Turkey 0‑1 at the King Baudouin Stadium. The Belgians essentially relied on the players who had defeated Rome 2‑0.

In Group B4 the Salzburg striker Haris Tabakovic scored the 3‑1 for Bosnia‑Herzegovina in Romania in the 40th minute. This leaves Bosnia on four points, two behind Sweden, which beat Poland 3‑1.

Italy seeks revival in Turkey under a Klopp-style revolution

Georgia had to settle for a 0‑0 draw against Ukraine after parting ways with coach Willy Sagnol. Otar Kiteischwili, who had barely featured for Sturm Graz recently due to workload reasons, after playing 25 minutes against Northern Ireland this time stayed on the pitch for 73 minutes.