Italy's impressive win increases pressure on Montella

While Italy wraps up the extended international break with a narrow victory over Turkey, Vincenzo Montella, the under‑pressure head coach of the Turks, receives another blow in his own country, after a disappointing run of four defeats, as the Azzurri aim to secure their quarter‑final chances in the Nations League.

Italian success in the Nations League

Italy concluded the extended international period with a narrow victory over Turkey. Gianluca Scamacca opened the scoring midway through the first half, his second goal for the Azzurri, after his first strike three years ago at Wembley against England. The win builds on the draw‑point gain against France, which Roberto Mancini’s side secured on Friday.

The Italian media praised the performance as ‘the miracle of Mancini’, but warned that a swallow is not yet a summer. Turkey dominated possession and levelled the score through Aral Simsir, a forward from Trabzonspor. A few minutes later Riccardo Calafiori, who scored his first international goal, nodded the home side back into the lead.

Montella under pressure as Italy face Turkey

In the closing stages Pio Esposito put the match beyond doubt, after Alessandro Romano tapped a close‑range cross into the box. The match finished 3‑1 and the penalty that Turkey had received last week when they conceded three goals at home was missing.

Montella under increasing pressure

For Vincenzo Montella, the beleaguered head coach of Turkey, the defeat meant another blow in his own country. The fourth consecutive loss amplifies the call for his departure, while the Turks can only theoretically stave off relegation in the last two group fixtures. The pressure on Montella continues to mount.

Italy beats Turkey but Samuele Inacio stays on the bench: future uncertain

Italy now focuses on the Nations League quarter‑final, with the Azzurri looking to consolidate their chances. With the recent win they hope to continue the positive trajectory from the point against France.