Mancini makes Italy smile with the win in Bologna

At the Dall’Ara in Bologna, the Azzurri beat Turkey in the fourth round of the Nations League Italy‑Turkey, winning 3‑1 thanks to the goals of Scamacca, Calafiori and Pio Esposito. The result puts Italy in second place in Group 1 with seven points, while coach Roberto Mancini made numerous rotations.

Mancini’s choices

Compared to the previous match in Saint‑Denis, the head coach changed several players. On the field started Gianluca Mancini, Barella, Di Lorenzo, Ruggeri and Romano, with Doumbia and Vergara in the starting eleven for the first time, as well as Daniel Maldini and Gianluca Scamacca as offensive reference. Vincenzo Montella’s Turkey, missing Calhanoglu, Yildiz and Güler, lined up a particularly cautious 3‑4‑2‑1.

The phases of the match

The first half was not very eventful, the two teams struggled to find continuity. In the 26′ Di Lorenzo supplied Scamacca, who recovered the ball in the box and beat Çakır, opening the scoring for Italy. The lead remained unchanged until halftime.

The second half saw Turkey equalise in the 61′: a combination of Çelik, Elmalı and Şimşir finished with a back‑heel shot, bringing the score to 1‑1. Mancini responded with three substitutions, bringing on Kayode for Di Lorenzo, Calafiori for Ruggeri and Pio Esposito for Scamacca.

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Calafiori restored Italy’s lead in the 64′, exploiting a side free‑kick delivered by Barella and heading his first goal for the national team. The defender celebrated the result, recalling the important steps taken in Bologna before his move to the Premier League.

The third and decisive goal came in the 87′: Doumbia won a duel, Romano supplied Pio Esposito, who sealed the match with the final goal. Inter’s attack thus concluded the match with a definitive 3‑1.

In the post‑match, Mancini said: “We are tired, but a nice reaction. What a good Romano, he can also play as a mezzala.” He also explained the removal of Scamacca and Ruggeri, adding that they were booked and he feared further referee actions. The coach emphasized the need to continue like this, to be ready in November in Belgium.

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With three points, Italy moves up to second place in Group 1 with seven points, also thanks to France’s win over Belgium. The result represents an important step in the race for qualification in the Nations League.