Italy 3-1 Turkiye: Calafiori and Esposito Seal Nations League Win

Italy continued their strong start under Roberto Mancini with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Turkiye in the UEFA Nations League, moving the Azzurri into second place in Group A1.

The win gives Italy seven points from their last three matches after opening Mancini's second spell as head coach with a defeat against France. They had to work hard for all three points against a competitive Turkiye side managed by Italian coach Vincenzo Montella.

Scamacca Gives Italy the Lead

The first half at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara produced few clear-cut opportunities, but Italy eventually broke the deadlock through Gianluca Scamacca.

The forward showed excellent instinct in the 26th minute, firing a powerful snapshot that struck the underside of the crossbar before finding the back of the net.

Italy took a 1-0 lead into the break, but Turkiye remained firmly in the contest.

Turkiye Level After the Break

Turkiye responded strongly at the beginning of the second half and found an equaliser through Aral Simsir.

The ball fell kindly at the back post, allowing Simsir to turn the loose ball into an empty net and bring the visitors level.

However, the equaliser lasted only three minutes.

Calafiori Restores Italy's Advantage

Mancini's substitutions quickly paid off as Riccardo Calafiori restored Italy's lead.

The defender rose highest to meet a delivery from Nicolo Barella and powered a header beyond the Turkiye goalkeeper.

Italy were back in front at 2-1, but Turkiye continued to threaten and kept the hosts under pressure.

Esposito Seals the Victory

Italy finally put the result beyond doubt in the 87th minute.

Another substitute, Francesco Pio Esposito, produced a smart finish from Alessandro Romano's cross to make it 3-1.

The late goal completed a difficult but valuable victory for Italy and strengthened their position in Nations League Group A1.

Italy Edge an Even Contest

Despite the final scoreline, the match was closely contested.

Italy finished with 15 shots compared with Turkiye's 14, while the Azzurri registered six attempts on target to Turkiye's five.

The hosts also recorded 28 touches in the opposition penalty area, narrowly ahead of Turkiye's 27.

Italy generated chances worth approximately 1.9 expected goals (xG), while Turkiye finished with 1.31 xG.

The statistics underline how competitive the match was, with Italy ultimately proving more clinical in key moments.

Esposito Makes Italian Football History

The victory was particularly memorable for Francesco Pio Esposito, who reached another milestone with his late goal.

Esposito became only the second player in Italian national team history to score seven international goals before turning 22, following the legendary Giuseppe Meazza, who achieved the feat at 20 years and 155 days in 1931.

The young forward will now hope to establish himself as an important part of Mancini's plans as Italy continue their Nations League campaign.

Italy Continue Their Strong Run

Italy's 3-1 victory over Turkiye marks another positive result during Roberto Mancini's second spell in charge.

After losing to France in his first match back, Mancini's side have responded with seven points from their next three games and now sit second in Group A1.

With Calafiori and Esposito making decisive contributions from the bench, Italy have shown both depth and resilience as they look to build momentum in the Nations League.