Italy's combination football leaves Turkey cold in Bursa's rain

Italy celebrated in the Nations League‑match against Turkey its first win under returning Roberto Mancini, as the Squadra Azzurra dominated the opponent in the relentless rain of Bursa with convincing combination play.

First win after Mancini's return

After a defeat in the opening match, the Italian side managed to win the game convincingly on the second matchday of Group A. The team displayed a high passing tempo from the start, which completely overwhelmed the Turkish defenders in the first half.

Against the sleeping Turks, who were completely out of sorts in the first half, the Mancini team established a clear lead before Turkey tried to rally.

Early goals decide the duel

Alessandro Bastoni opened the scoring in the ninth minute to make it 1‑0, followed by Davide Frattesi in the 22nd minute and Michael Kayode after just six minutes, so the Italians were already leading 3‑0 after 27 minutes.

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Baris Yılmaz pulled one back in the 47th minute to make it 1‑3, but Francesco Esposito secured the final score with another goal in the 51st minute.

Turkey remains unsuccessful against Italy

In the eleventh meeting of the two sides, Roberto Mancini celebrated his team's seventh win, while Turkey still has not been able to beat Italy.

The Turkish side created several attacking chances but posed no clear danger, and the match ended without further goals.

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Outlook for the next top duel

After this convincing performance, Mancini can head into the upcoming top duel against France on Friday evening, 02.10.26, in Paris with momentum.