Mancini celebrates the victory in Turkey, Montella under pressure
Italy imposed a 4‑1 win against Turkey in Bursa, overcoming the setback suffered against Belgium; Roberto Mancini described the performance as “it was not easy”, while Vincenzo Montella had to face criticism from the Turkish crowd. The rain made the pitch heavy and the blue coach celebrated the first success of his second spell.
In the first half Alessandro Bastoni opened the scoring in the ninth minute. Francesco Frattesi doubled the lead in the twenty‑second, putting the hosts up 2‑0. The third goal came from Kayode, who closed the first half at 3‑0.
At the break Turkey tried to respond, with Baris Yilmaz attempting to reopen the game. However it was Pio Esposito who sealed the result, scoring the fourth goal in the fiftieth minute.
Mancini's comments and outlook
Roberto Mancini praised the performance, describing it as high‑quality, emphasizing the ability to retain possession and to finish. He recalled the difficulties imposed by the rain that made the surface heavy. The coach has already looked ahead to the next assignment against France, stating that the team will need to recover its strength and that fresh players will be available in Paris.
Ricci excluded, Kean seeks goals: clashes between Italy and France
During the break, Lorenzo Raspadori was substituted as a precaution due to a physical issue. His removal made way for Cambiaghi in attack.
Dedications and curiosities
Pio Esposito dedicated the goal to his grandmother and celebrated having shared the pitch with his brother Sebastiano, the first set of brothers to start for Italy in over a century. Alessandro Bastoni, more cautious, commented that he had hit the lowest point in recent years, but wants to restart with the team.
Vincenzo Montella had to endure chants from the Turkish crowd demanding his resignation already in the first half. The coach replied by stating that the team deserved to be whistled at and challenged for the football it displayed. The defeat reignites a crisis that emerged after the disappointing 2026 World Cup, with pressure on the bench increasing exponentially.
Italy seeks revival in Turkey under a Klopp-style revolution
The ratings highlighted Kayode with the highest score (8), followed by Bastoni (7.5) and Pio Esposito (7.5). The flop of the match was Marco Cambiaghi (5.5) and the Turkish defence received low marks, with Celik at 4. The clash attracted 41,347 spectators at the ‘Timsah Arena Stadium’ in Bursa, with referee Oliver and VAR Attwall, both English.