Roberto Mancini’s second spell as Italy manager is off the mark after the Azzurri responded to their opening Nations League defeat with a convincing 4-1 victory over Turkey in Bursa.
Italy had lost 2-1 to Belgium in Mancini’s first game back in charge, but produced a far more assured performance against Vincenzo Montella’s side, taking a three-goal lead before half-time.
Alessandro Bastoni opened the scoring in the ninth minute, reacting quickest inside the area after a corner. Davide Frattesi then doubled Italy’s advantage before Michael Kayode marked his senior international debut with a goal in the 27th minute.
Kayode, one of nine uncapped players included in Mancini’s first squad since returning to the Italy job, made an immediate impact. The Brentford defender combined his attacking contribution with an energetic display on the right.
Turkey briefly threatened a comeback shortly after the restart when Barış Alper Yılmaz pulled one back, but Italy restored their three-goal cushion when Pio Esposito headed home after Sandro Tonali’s effort struck the post.
The result gives Italy their first Nations League points of the campaign after the defeat by Belgium. Mancini made eight changes to his starting XI for the trip to Bursa, with the adjustments paying off as his side looked considerably more dangerous in attack.
Mancini played down the significance of the result afterwards, saying his players had performed well on a difficult, rain-soaked pitch while stressing that there is still plenty of work ahead.
Italy’s next assignment will provide a considerably tougher test, with Mancini’s side travelling to Paris to face France on Friday. The Azzurri are attempting to rebuild after missing the 2026 World Cup, with Mancini returning to the post he previously held between 2018 and 2023 and led Italy to Euro 2020 glory.
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