Turkey 1-4 Italy: Mancini Earns First Win Back

Italy beat Turkey 4-1 in Bursa as Michael Kayode scored on his debut and Roberto Mancini secured his first victory since returning.

Italy delivered a ruthless first-half performance to beat Turkey 4-1 in Bursa and give Roberto Mancini his first victory since returning as Azzurri head coach.

Alessandro Bastoni, Davide Frattesi and debutant Michael Kayode put the visitors three ahead inside 27 minutes. Barış Alper Yılmaz replied after half-time, but Francesco Pio Esposito answered three minutes later.

The victory lifted Italy to three points in UEFA Nations League A Group 1 after two matches, while Turkey remained without a point. The BBC Sport Turkey versus Italy match coverage confirms the 4-1 result, scorers and attendance of 33,891.

Italy Decide the Match in 27 Minutes

Italy quickly imposed themselves in rain-soaked conditions. After nine minutes, a low corner travelled across the penalty area, and Turkey failed to clear, leaving Bastoni to finish.

The visitors doubled their lead in the 22nd minute. Kayode’s initial effort was saved, but Frattesi reacted quickly to convert the rebound. Italy’s movement unsettled Turkey’s defence.

Five minutes later, Kayode marked his senior international debut with a memorable goal. Pio Esposito released the Brentford defender, who drove forward, cut inside and finished for 3-0. The frustrated home crowd booed at half-time.

Turkey Respond Before Pio Esposito Strikes

Turkey returned with greater urgency and reduced the deficit in the 47th minute. Oğuz Aydın sent a low delivery across goal, and Barış Alper Yılmaz converted to give the hosts hope.

That hope survived for only three minutes. Sandro Tonali struck the post, and Pio Esposito followed the play to head in the rebound for Italy’s fourth. His goal, combined with his assist for Kayode, completed an influential display by the young forward.

Turkey had another effort ruled out and was forced deeper by Italy during parts of the second half. Arda Güler tried to create centrally, but Gianluigi Donnarumma and his defence protected the margin.

The ESPN report on Turkey 1-4 Italy records late attempts involving Güler, Oğuz Aydın and Kerem Aktürkoğlu, although Italy had already settled the contest.

Kayode and Pio Esposito Reward Mancini

Kayode’s debut became the central individual story. The defender contributed directly to two first-half goals, creating Frattesi’s opportunity before delivering Italy’s third.

Pio Esposito’s pass set up Kayode, while his alert reaction after Tonali struck the woodwork produced the fourth goal. Mancini needed this response after losing to Belgium in his opening game back.

Turkey vs Italy Match Statistics

The scoreline suggested total dominance, although ESPN’s Turkey versus Italy team statistics show that Turkey had more possession, passes, shots, and corners. Italy produced greater accuracy.

Turkey’s 54% possession did not create enough clear opportunities. Italy directed eight of 14 attempts on target and took 12 shots inside the box. Their accuracy explains why less possession was no problem.

What the Result Means for Group 1

Italy moved onto three points and revived their campaign following an opening defeat. Turkey, beaten twice, now face pressure to recover before the table begins to stretch.

The official UEFA Nations League match centre provides the schedule. Italy’s next assignment against leaders France will test whether this balance survives stronger opposition.

Turkey can draw encouragement from their second-half response, but it must become a complete-match performance. Conceding three times inside 27 minutes made recovery highly unlikely.

Lessons for Uganda

The 9:45 p.m. East African Time kick-off suited Ugandan viewers, while the tactical lessons were relevant to the Uganda Cranes.

Italy showed the value of starting aggressively away. They attacked space, used Kayode’s width and punished loose defending. Uganda frequently play tight qualifiers where an early goal changes the tactical picture; Italy made their fast start a platform for control.

Italy also restored their three-goal cushion within three minutes of conceding. Such concentration matters in African Qualifiers, where short lapses decide valuable points.

Kayode and Pio Esposito showed how young players can energise an established national team.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Turkey vs Italy score?

Italy defeated Turkey 4-1 in Bursa after leading 3-0 at half-time.

Who scored the goals?

Bastoni, Frattesi, Kayode, and Pio Esposito scored for Italy. Barış Alper Yılmaz scored Turkey’s only goal.

What made Kayode’s performance special?

Kayode scored on his senior Italy debut and contributed to Frattesi’s goal.

Which team had more possession?

Turkey had 54% possession, but Italy produced eight shots on target against Turkey’s three.

Follow International Football on Bangbet Uganda

Ugandan fans can visit Bangbet Uganda for international match markets, schedules and updated odds. Review team news and available options before kick-off.

Betting should remain entertainment, not a source of income. Bangbet Uganda services are for adults aged 25 and above. 

Odds change, returns are never guaranteed, and every wager carries financial risk. Set firm spending and time limits, protect essential money, and never chase losses. Read the Bangbet Uganda responsible gambling guide for safeguards or contact Bangbet Uganda customer support when assistance is required.

Conclusion

Italy’s 4-1 victory was founded on first-half efficiency, energetic young players and an immediate answer when Turkey threatened a comeback. Kayode’s debut goal and Pio Esposito’s goal-and-assist performance gave Mancini an encouraging glimpse of the Azzurri’s future.

Turkey’s possession and second-half pressure showed they were not overwhelmed in every phase, but matches are decided by chances converted and mistakes punished. Italy excelled at both ends when it mattered most. The result warned Turkey that attractive statistics cannot compensate for a slow start and vulnerable penalty-area defending