Italy defeated Turkey 3-1 as Scamacca, Calafiori and Esposito scored to move Roberto Mancini’s side into second place in Group A1.
Gianluca Scamacca gave the hosts a first-half lead before Aral Şimşir equalised for Turkey after the interval. Riccardo Calafiori restored Italy’s advantage with a powerful header, and Pio Esposito completed the scoring during the closing stages.
The victory lifted Italy into second place in Group A1 with seven points. Turkey remained bottom without a point and were eliminated.
The result, scorers and match developments are recorded in the official UEFA Nations League match coverage and BBC’s Italy versus Turkey live report.
Italy vs Turkey match summary
| Match detail | Information |
| Result | Italy 3-1 Turkey |
| Competition | UEFA Nations League, League A Group 1 |
| Venue | Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, Bologna |
| Italy scorers | Gianluca Scamacca, Riccardo Calafiori, Pio Esposito |
| Turkey scorer | Aral Şimşir |
| Half-time score | Italy 1-0 Turkey |
| Attendance | 30,040 |
Scamacca puts Italy in control
Turkey enjoyed more possession, but Italy looked dangerous when attacking spaces around the visitors’ defence.
Scamacca struck in the 26th minute. Antonio Vergara’s cross caused uncertainty, and the ball dropped to the striker after an aerial challenge with Ozan Kabak. Scamacca drove his finish into the roof of the net.
The goal rewarded Italy’s direct approach and gave Roberto Mancini’s team a half-time lead. Turkey saw plenty of the ball but lacked penetration.
Şimşir gives Turkey temporary hope
Turkey responded after the restart and equalised in the 61st minute. Eren Elmalı’s pass allowed Zeki Çelik to deliver a low cross.
Yunus Akgün’s movement drew Donnarumma away, leaving Şimşir to finish into an unguarded net for his first senior international goal.
Turkey remained level for only a few minutes before Italy responded from a set piece.
Calafiori restores Italy’s lead
Substitute Calafiori made an immediate impact, rising above Elmalı at the far post to loop a free-kick beyond Uğurcan Çakır.
The 64th-minute goal restored Italy’s advantage. Donnarumma and his defence then resisted Turkey’s response.
Esposito added the third in the 87th minute, redirecting Issa Doumbia’s low delivery into the net from close range.
Italy vs Turkey match statistics
| Statistic | Italy | Turkey |
| Possession | 45% | 55% |
| Total shots | 15 | 14 |
| Shots on target | 6 | 5 |
| Corners | 3 | 9 |
| Passes | 449 | 554 |
| Fouls | 11 | 9 |
| Yellow cards | 2 | 2 |
The Italy versus Turkey match statistics show Turkey led in possession, passing, and corners. Italy converted three of six shots on target.
Turkey produced 14 attempts, but Italy’s superior finishing determined the result.
Italy’s key performers
Scamacca provided the focal point Italy required, competing physically with Turkey’s centre-backs and converting his clearest opportunity. Calafiori changed the match from the bench by adding composure in possession and a decisive aerial threat.
Donnarumma’s saves prevented Turkey from building momentum after Şimşir’s equaliser, while Esposito demonstrated sharp penalty-area instincts. Vergara and Doumbia also deserve credit for creating the first and third goals. Collectively, those contributions showed that Mancini can rotate his team without losing attacking variety, defensive authority or the ability to decide tight periods.
Group A1 standings after four matches
| Position | Team | Played | Goal difference | Points |
| 1 | France | 4 | +5 | 10 |
| 2 | Italy | 4 | +3 | 7 |
| 3 | Belgium | 4 | +1 | 6 |
| 4 | Turkey | 4 | -9 | 0 |
Italy moved above Belgium after the Red Devils lost 4-1 to France and remain three points behind the leaders.
Turkey’s fourth consecutive defeat ended their knockout hopes. Their remaining objective is rebuilding confidence.
What the result means for Ugandan supporters
The match gave Ugandan viewers four goals and several familiar European-based players.
Arsenal supporters in Uganda will welcome Calafiori’s match-winning contribution and his threat at set pieces. Scamacca and Esposito also offered Italy optimism at centre-forward.
Italy also showed they do not require greater possession to control an outcome. Mancini’s side attacked directly and punished Turkey’s defensive weaknesses.
Turkey’s statistical advantages show that possession and corners do not guarantee victory without efficient finishing.
Frequently asked questions
What was the Italy vs Turkey result?
Italy defeated Turkey 3-1 in their UEFA Nations League match in Bologna.
Who scored for Italy?
Gianluca Scamacca, Riccardo Calafiori and Pio Esposito scored Italy’s goals.
Who scored for Turkey?
Aral Şimşir scored Turkey’s equaliser during the second half.
What does the result mean for Italy?
Italy moved into second place in Group A1 with seven points, three behind France.
Can Turkey still qualify?
No. Turkey remained without a point after four matches and were eliminated from knockout-stage contention.
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Conclusion
Italy’s victory was built on efficiency. Turkey equalised, but Calafiori restored the lead before Esposito completed the scoring.
Seven points leave Italy firmly in the qualification race, while Turkey must rebuild after elimination. The three different scorers also demonstrated Mancini’s improving attacking depth.
