Mancini turns the Rome defeat into a Bursa victory
After the 0‑2 defeat to Belgium at the Olympic Stadium in Rome, Roberto Mancini celebrated his first victory since returning to the helm of the Italy national team by beating Turkey 4‑1 in Bursa, leaving the side with three points and two more matches in the FIFA window.
Before the match against Belgium, Mancini delivered a clear message to the journalists gathered at the Olympic Stadium in Rome and to the whole country, saying: “Sport consists of defeats that are hard to digest, but they always offer the chance to recover quickly… we have to look forward and think positively.” The Azzurri were booed by the fans, did not create clear chances and the defeat marked the 900th match in Italy’s history.
Players Giorgio Scalvini and Nicolò Cambiaghi, who came on in the second half, along with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, prevented a larger rout. Mancini defended Alessandro Romano of Cagliari, describing his performance as part of a process.
Controversy surrounding Mancini's return
Since his return to the Nazionale, public opinion has been divided. Some criticized his alleged betrayal for moving to Saudi Arabia, although he asked for forgiveness; others demanded a younger coach, but the options have evaporated. Pep Guardiola was even mentioned, but the Catalan manager declined the proposal.
Breakdown of the goals against Turkey
In Bursa, under the rain and with the pitch in poor condition, Italy made eight changes to keep legs fresh. Matteo Ruggeri returned to the defence and Michael Kayode, newly signed by Brentford after leaving Fiorentina in January 2025, debuted on the right and scored his first international goal.
Italy top of the group for Euro 2028 with win over Turkey
Alessandro Bastoni opened the scoring in the ninth minute from a corner. Davide Frattesi extended the lead after Kayode’s shot was saved. Kayode netted his third goal after receiving a pass from Pio Esposito. In the second half, Baris Alper Yilmaz reduced the deficit for Turkey, but Pio Esposito responded again with a header after the rebound from a Tonali shot that hit the post.
Upcoming challenges in the FIFA window
Two matches remain in the current FIFA window; the next challenge will be against France, led by Zinedine Zidane. The result will be decisive for Italy’s aspirations in qualifying for the European Championship and the World Cup.
Roberto Mancini, 61, was appointed Italy’s coach for the second time last month after Gennaro Gattuso’s departure, when the Azzurri failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. His first spell (2018‑2023) ended with the Euro 2020 triumph. Italy has not played in a World Cup since 2014.
Italy kicks off a new era, secured top seed for Euro 2028
In the coverage, the word Man appears linked to the coach, recalling the attention his return generates.