Italy fight back to beat Turkey 3-1 and leave opponents bottom of Nations League group

Italy came from behind to beat Turkey 3-1 in the Nations League on Monday, leaving their opponents without a point after four successive defeats.

The match, played at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara in Bologna, saw Italy move to seven points in Group A, two behind leaders France. Gianluca Scamacca, Riccardo Calafiori and Francesco Pio Esposito scored for Roberto Mancini’s side, while Aral Simsir briefly brought Turkey level.

Turkey controlled much of the first half, enjoying 60% possession and recording three shots on target. However, their lack of precision in the final third prevented them from turning that dominance into a goal.

Italy, by contrast, made the most of their only effort on target before the interval. Antonio Vergara released Giovanni Di Lorenzo down the right, and his cross found Scamacca, who powered the ball into the net after an initial attempt with his head.

Turkey had earlier come close to scoring when Gianluigi Donnarumma saved a fierce long-range effort from Ozcan in the 17th minute.

Three goals in 26 minutes

The second half produced a dramatic change in momentum, with three goals scored in the space of 26 minutes.

Italy began the half on the front foot and made three substitutions in the 55th minute. Michael Kayode replaced Di Lorenzo, Calafiori came on for Matteo Ruggeri and Esposito took over from Scamacca.

Turkey equalised six minutes later. Simsir was left unmarked and calmly converted with his left foot into an unguarded net.

Their celebrations lasted only three minutes. In the 64th minute, Italy regained the lead when Calafiori headed in from a cross by Nicolo Barella.

Turkey continued to threaten and nearly levelled again late in the match. Donnarumma produced another important save in the 78th minute to deny Ozcan, before Kerem Akturkoglu tried to take advantage of the goalkeeper coming off his line six minutes later. His finish, however, lacked accuracy.

Italy secured the victory in the 87th minute when substitute Esposito completed the scoring.

It was Italy’s second win under Mancini since his return as manager. During that run, they had lost to Belgium and drawn with France away from home, as well as recording two victories over Turkey.

The result leaves Italy second in the group on seven points, behind France on 10, while Turkey remain bottom after suffering four defeats in a row.