Mancini returns and takes Italy from disappointment to euphoria
Roberto Mancini returned on Tuesday as head coach and led Italy to a resounding 0‑3 victory over Turkey in Bursa, just three days after the Azzurri under his guidance suffered a defeat to Belgium, led by Mark van Bommel, in a crucial qualifying match.
From disappointment to triumph
Three days earlier the Italian players were still being scolded after the defeat to Mark van Bommel's Belgium side; Mancini compared the task ahead of him to climbing Mount Everest. The press then described an atmosphere of disappointment and criticism, while the sports newspapers harshly criticised the coaches.
A few days later that mood completely reversed. The front pages of the Italian sports newspapers sparkled with relief and joy, and the first win under the returned Roberto Mancini was celebrated as a turning point.
New faces and record win
With eight new names and three debutants, including Sebastiano Esposito, who together with his brother Pio made history, Italy gave a dream start in Bursa. After just 27 minutes the score was already 0‑3, and ultimately the biggest win since November 2019 (against Bosnia‑Herzegovina, 0‑3) was recorded.
headlined “Italian talent blossoms” above a photo of the Esposito brothers, and Corriere dello Sport praised Mancini: “That’s how it should be, Mancio! Italy dominates in Turkey and responds brilliantly by scoring three times in the first 27 minutes.” Tuttosport also spoke of a “fantastic start”.
Italy restores confidence in Turkey with three goals in the first half
Outlook and call for patience
Right‑back Kayode, who previously played for Brentford and spent half a year with Fiorentina in Serie A, delivered exceptionally long throws that set up Davide Frattesi’s 0‑2 and created the 0‑3 himself. After rain in Bursa, Frattesi laughed: “I was a bit confused when I saw him wrestling with a towel … what is he doing? But it was a good tactic.”
Kayode confirmed that it was not easy to use his secret weapon in the Turkish rain, but found a way and explained: “We wanted to prove ourselves and played in the first half with fantastic simplicity and determination.” Mancini then praised his squad: “Everyone played wonderfully, but we still have a long way to go. Now we must try to make our mark in Paris.”
The next test is already looming: an away match against France. Alessandro Bastoni, who after a red card in the play‑offs against Bosnia is back in the starting eleven, addressed the Italian fans: “We have hit bottom in recent years, but now we want to rise again. All I ask is patience, because these young players are eager to learn.” He also warned that fans should blame the older players, as they have broader shoulders.
Zidane lifts France to first place, Italy responds
The contrasts between the disappointment after the defeat to Belgium and the euphoria after the win over Turkey show how quickly sentiment in Italy can change, and raise hopes for a strong performance against France in the coming weeks.