Pio Esposito, Michael Kayode, Issa Doumbia… Italy's hopes

Italy regained its colours on Monday by beating Turkey, a turnaround that was expected after a cataclysmic year marked by three World Cup failures and an elimination in the round of 16 of Euro 2024.

A return of colour

Before appearing at the Stade de France, the head coach Roberto Mancini sent interesting signals in his first two matches, including the victory over Turkey that brought a smile back to the tifosi. This performance was seen as the first breath of fresh air after the rain that had been weighing on the Boot.

The young pillars

Only three players started against Belgium and Turkey: Gigio Donnarumma, Sandro Tonali and Pio Esposito. Esposito, who turned 21 in June, has scored eight goals in Serie A since January and is seeing his playing time at Inter increase. For the national team, he already has six goals in eleven appearances and has recorded four consecutive starts, making him the rising star who must embody the Italian renewal.

Roberto Mancini gave his chance to Michael Kayode, 22, right‑back of Brentford, who fully seized the opportunity against Turkey: he was involved in Frattesi’s goal, scored, and covered 11 km on the pitch. His performance puts him as a serious challenger to Giovanni Di Lorenzo, who was put under pressure against Mika Godts’s Belgium.

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Midfielder Issa Doumbia, also 22, spent Monday evening chasing balls in Bursa, far from the French TV studio where his namesake was preparing for the show Wanted. After a stint in Naples, he signed for Sporting this summer, immediately establishing himself in the Lisbon eleven thanks to an impressive power, while waiting to find his place in the Nazionale.

Mancini opens the door

For this international break, Roberto Mancini compiled a list of 34 players, nine of whom had never been called up: Massimo Pessina, Daniele Ghilardi, Michael Kayode, Eddy Kouadio, Alessandro Romano, Issa Doumbia, Sebastiano Esposito, Antonio Vergara and Mohamed Ali Zoma. This openness highlights the desire to integrate youth, symbolised by the attacking midfielder Samuele Inácio, 18, who is gradually carving out a place at Borussia Dortmund.

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

The loss to Belgium reminded us of the work still to be done to reach the highest international level. The Italians faced 11 shots in just the first half‑hour, and it took a great Gianluigi Donnarumma to avoid disaster. The trip to Turkey, however, brought life back, and, as the Italian proverb says, “after the rain comes the sun”, thus bringing hope.