Italy’s early goals set up a convincing response in Bursa
Italy defeated Türkiye 4–1 in Bursa on September 28 to collect their first points of the 2026–27 UEFA Nations League, recovering from a 2–0 home defeat by Belgium three days earlier. The result was confirmed early on September 29 in Philippine time.
Alessandro Bastoni opened the scoring in the ninth minute. Davide Frattesi added a second in the 22nd, before Michael Kayode marked his international debut with a goal five minutes later. Italy reached halftime with a 3–0 advantage.
Barış Alper Yılmaz reduced the deficit shortly after the restart, but Francesco Pio Esposito restored the three-goal margin. The quick response prevented Türkiye’s goal from developing into a sustained comeback.
Roberto Mancini had made eight changes to his starting team, according to the Italian federation’s match report. Kayode and Matteo Ruggeri were among the debutants, while Pio Esposito started alongside his brother Sebastiano.
The win moves Italy to three points in League A Group 1, level with Belgium and three behind France. Türkiye have lost their opening two fixtures.
Italy’s next match is away to France on October 2, followed by a home meeting with Türkiye on October 5, both European fixture dates. The performance in Bursa gives Mancini a positive response to the opening defeat, with the group leaders providing the next examination.