Italy, another win over Turkey and second place in the standings

Italy secured a second straight win against Turkey, prevailing 3-1 on Matchday 4 of the Nations League and climbing to second place in Group 1 of League A. The Azzurri’s rise to 7 points was also aided by Belgium’s heavy defeat against France, which won 4-1.

At the Dall’Ara Stadium, goals by Scamacca, Calafiori, and Pio Esposito sealed the win, while Simsir scored for Turkey. The loss, however, leaves Montella’s team still at zero points and seriously jeopardizes the head coach’s position.

Mancini changed virtually the entire lineup from the previous match against France, keeping only Bastoni and Donnarumma in the starting lineup. It was the Azzurri goalkeeper who immediately took center stage, making two saves in the first fifteen minutes. Italy struggled, however, to build plays and find their rhythm, but in the 26th minute, they capitalized on their first real chance: a rebound fell to Scamacca, who unleashed a powerful right-footed shot to beat Cakir for a 1-0 lead.

The first half slipped by without any other notable moments, with the Azzurri unable to impose their style of play. In the second half, Mancini’s team stepped up the intensity and came close to doubling their lead through Doumbia in the 58th minute, but three minutes later, they were dealt a harsh blow. Celik slipped past Doumbia and sent in a cross that, after a prior touch by Elmali, was headed into the net by Simsir.

Italy reacted immediately and regained the lead in the 64th minute. Barella delivered a perfect free kick, and Calafiori headed it in for his first goal in a national team jersey. In the 71st minute, Vergara saved the result with a crucial defensive clearance before being forced to leave the field due to injury. Eight minutes later, Donnarumma is called upon to stop Oczan’s right-footed shot and clears the danger.

In the closing minutes, Italy regains momentum and, in the 87th minute, seals the victory. Doumbia made a fine run, Romano took the shot, and Pio Esposito was quickest to react, deflecting the ball into the net. For the Inter striker, it was his seventh goal in thirteen appearances for the national team.