Roberto Mancini claimed his first win since returning as Italy coach as the Azzurri beat Turkiye 4-1 in the UEFA Nations League in Bursa on Tuesday.
Italy had started Mancini’s second spell with a 2-0 defeat to Belgium. They responded strongly against Turkiye, with several young players making an impact.
Mancini made eight changes to his starting side. Michael Kayode, Matteo Ruggeri and Sebastiano Esposito made their senior debuts.
Alessandro Bastoni gave Italy an early lead after Turkiye failed to clear a corner. Davide Frattesi doubled the advantage after a quick passing move. Kayode’s shot was saved, but Frattesi scored from the rebound.
Kayode then made it 3-0 before the half hour mark. Pio Esposito found him on the right and the debutant finished at the near post. Turkiye pulled one back shortly after the break through Baris Alper Yilmaz.
Italy responded quickly. Sandro Tonali hit the post before Pio Esposito headed the rebound into an empty net to make it 4-1. Turkiye later had another goal ruled out for offside.
The result gave Italy their first three points in Nations League Group A1. They sit third, level on points with Belgium and behind leaders France. Italy will next travel to face France on October 2.
