{"id":14086,"date":"2026-09-29T10:29:03","date_gmt":"2026-09-29T07:29:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/?p=14086"},"modified":"2026-09-29T10:29:04","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T07:29:04","slug":"kayode-and-esposito-shine-as-azzurri-return-to-winning-ways","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/kayode-and-esposito-shine-as-azzurri-return-to-winning-ways\/","title":{"rendered":"Kayode and Esposito Shine as Azzurri Return to Winning Ways"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">T\u00fcrkiye 1\u20134 Italy<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Italy delivered a powerful response to their opening <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uefa.com\/uefanationsleague\/\">UEFA Nations Leagu<\/a><\/strong>e defeat by beating T\u00fcrkiye 4\u20131 in an action-packed Group A1 encounter in Bursa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Alessandro Bastoni, Davide Frattesi and debutant Michael Kayode scored during an extraordinary opening 27 minutes for the visitors. Bar\u0131\u015f Alper Y\u0131lmaz pulled one back shortly after halftime, but Pio Esposito quickly restored Italy\u2019s three-goal advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The result gave Roberto Mancini his first victory since returning for his second spell as Italy\u2019s head coach. After suffering a 2\u20130 home defeat against Belgium in their opening match, the four-time world champions produced a clinical attacking display to collect their first three points of the campaign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Italy Score Three Goals Inside 27 Minutes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Italy entered the match under pressure following their disappointing performance against Belgium. However, Mancini\u2019s players immediately showed greater intensity and attacking purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The breakthrough arrived in the ninth minute. A low corner travelled dangerously across the Turkish penalty area after Zeki \u00c7elik failed to clear it, allowing Bastoni to direct the ball into the roof of the net.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Italy doubled their advantage in the 22nd minute following a flowing attacking move. Pio Esposito and Sandro Tonali combined before releasing Kayode down the right. The full-back\u2019s effort was stopped by Altay Bay\u0131nd\u0131r, but Frattesi reacted quickest and converted the rebound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Five minutes later, Italy scored again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">T\u00fcrkiye lost possession close to their penalty area, and Esposito supplied Kayode in space. The young defender advanced before finishing confidently at the near post to score on his senior international debut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kayode\u2019s willingness to attack from right-back repeatedly caused problems for the Turkish defence. His goal completed a remarkable opening spell in which Italy effectively decided the contest before the half-hour mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pio Esposito Continues Impressive Italy Form<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pio Esposito played an important role throughout the match, contributing both a goal and an assist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After helping Kayode score Italy\u2019s third goal, the striker added his name to the scoresheet in the 50th minute. Tonali\u2019s effort struck the post, leaving Esposito perfectly positioned to head the rebound into an open goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The goal restored Italy\u2019s three-goal cushion only three minutes after T\u00fcrkiye had threatened to begin a comeback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Esposito has now scored six goals in 11 senior international appearances. His combination of strength, movement and finishing ability continues to establish him as one of the most exciting players in Italy\u2019s new generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">T\u00fcrkiye Improve After Halftime<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">T\u00fcrkiye endured a difficult first half but returned with renewed energy after the break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bar\u0131\u015f Alper Y\u0131lmaz reduced the deficit in the 47th minute, giving the home crowd hope that a comeback might be possible. However, Esposito\u2019s immediate response ended that momentum and returned control to Italy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Y\u0131lmaz later appeared to score a second goal after forcing the ball across the line, but the effort was controversially disallowed for offside. T\u00fcrkiye continued pushing forward during the second half, with Arda G\u00fcler attempting to create opportunities, but the hosts could not make their pressure count.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">T\u00fcrkiye vs Italy Match Statistics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Possession was almost evenly divided, with T\u00fcrkiye recording 51% compared to Italy\u2019s 49%. The Azzurri were significantly more effective with their opportunities, however.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key match statistics:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>T\u00fcrkiye recorded eight shots and two on target.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Italy attempted 10 shots and placed six on target.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>T\u00fcrkiye completed 534 passes with 85% accuracy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Italy completed 384 passes with 87% accuracy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>T\u00fcrkiye won six corners compared to Italy\u2019s two.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Italy committed 22 fouls but received no yellow cards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>T\u00fcrkiye committed 12 fouls and collected three bookings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The figures underline the difference between possession and attacking efficiency. T\u00fcrkiye had slightly more of the ball and earned more corners, but Italy were considerably sharper whenever they entered the final third.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mancini Celebrates First Win of Second Italy Spell<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mancini\u2019s first spell as Italy coach included the memorable UEFA Euro 2020 triumph. His return began with defeat against Belgium, but the commanding victory in Bursa offered an early reminder of what his teams can produce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The coach refreshed his lineup and was rewarded with energetic performances from Kayode, Esposito and several other young players. Italy pressed effectively, attacked quickly and demonstrated a ruthless touch that had been absent from their opening fixture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Azzurri are now third in Group A1 with three points, level with second-placed Belgium. France lead the group with six points after winning their opening two matches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Difficult Start Continues for T\u00fcrkiye<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">T\u00fcrkiye remain bottom of the group after losing their opening two matches. They began the competition with a narrow 1\u20130 defeat against France before conceding four goals against Italy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although their second-half improvement offered some encouragement, the defensive problems exposed during Italy\u2019s early scoring burst will be a major concern. Allowing three goals inside the opening 27 minutes gave T\u00fcrkiye an almost impossible task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The hosts must also become more clinical. Despite registering more possession and twice as many corners as Italy, they managed only two shots on target.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is Next for Italy and T\u00fcrkiye?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Italy will next travel to face group leaders France in a crucial Nations League encounter. The match will provide a much tougher examination of whether the Azzurri\u2019s impressive recovery can develop into a consistent run of results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">T\u00fcrkiye will face Belgium as they search for their first points of the campaign. Another defeat would leave their hopes of progressing from the group in serious danger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bet on Nations League Football With Bangbet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The UEFA Nations League continues to deliver goals, major international rivalries and exciting football action. Fans can visit Bangbet to explore available betting markets, including match results, total goals, correct scores and player-based selections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Always analyse recent form, team news and available odds before making a selection. Bet responsibly, establish a clear budget and never wager more than you can afford to lose. Betting is strictly for adults aged 18 and above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Final Score: T\u00fcrkiye 1\u20134 Italy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Goalscorers:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Alessandro Bastoni \u2013 9\u2019<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Davide Frattesi \u2013 22\u2019<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Michael Kayode \u2013 27\u2019<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bar\u0131\u015f Alper Y\u0131lmaz \u2013 47\u2019<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pio Esposito \u2013 50\u2019<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bangbet.com\">Bangbet <\/a>More Than Win!<\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>T\u00fcrkiye 1\u20134 Italy Italy delivered a powerful response to their opening UEFA Nations League defeat by beating T\u00fcrkiye 4\u20131 in an action-packed Group A1 encounter in Bursa. Alessandro Bastoni, Davide Frattesi and debutant Michael Kayode scored during an extraordinary opening 27 minutes for the visitors. Bar\u0131\u015f Alper Y\u0131lmaz pulled one back shortly after halftime, but [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":14087,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[35,34],"tags":[3812,3810,3813,3814,3811],"class_list":["post-14086","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-football-news","category-football-odds","tag-italy-nations-league-result","tag-michael-kayode-debut-goal","tag-pio-esposito-italy","tag-roberto-mancini-italy-coach","tag-turkiye-1-4-italy"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14086","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14086"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14086\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14088,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14086\/revisions\/14088"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14087"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14086"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14086"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14086"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}