Italy 4-1 Türkiye: Bastoni, Frattesi and Kayode star in Nations League win
Italy swept aside Türkiye 4-1 in Bursa, turning a UEFA Nations League A meeting into a one-sided contest with three goals inside the opening 27 minutes. Alessandro Bastoni struck first before Davide Frattesi and Michael Kayode punished a succession of defensive errors to put the visitors firmly in control.
Baris Yilmaz gave Türkiye a brief route back into the match with a powerful finish two minutes after the interval. Italy responded immediately, however, as Francesco Esposito scored in the 50th minute to restore their three-goal advantage and end the hosts’ comeback hopes.
Quick facts
- Final score: Türkiye 1-4 Italy in Bursa.
- Bastoni opened the scoring in the ninth minute.
- Frattesi scored in the 22nd minute, assisted by Kayode.
- Kayode made it 3-0 five minutes later after Esposito’s assist.
- Yilmaz scored for Türkiye in the 47th minute before Esposito replied in the 50th.
- Italy finished with 20 interceptions, 15 clearances and eight shots on target.
Roberto Mancini’s side set the tone through an aggressive press and direct forward passing. Bastoni repeatedly stepped out from defence into midfield, while Italy’s compact shape limited the effect of Türkiye’s more direct attacks.
Bastoni’s early goal came from a well-timed run and finish, and his authority in the air was important as Italy defended their lead. The centre-back’s reading of play also helped the visitors withstand the hosts’ pressure during the second half.
Kayode was central to Italy’s fast start. The full-back created Frattesi’s goal in the 22nd minute before scoring himself in the 27th, combining attacking energy with regular defensive recovery work on the right.
Esposito was equally decisive in the final third. He set up Kayode for Italy’s third, then finished Sandro Tonali’s assist shortly after Türkiye had reduced the deficit, exploiting the space left by the home defence.
Tonali controlled much of the midfield contest, setting the tempo and contributing heavily without the ball. Frattesi’s late arrivals into the penalty area caused Türkiye repeated problems before he was replaced in the 82nd minute.
Nicolò Fagioli provided the more restrained element in midfield, moving possession efficiently and allowing Tonali and Frattesi to push higher. He made way for Romano in the 76th minute, while a midfield substitute introduced in the 63rd minute helped Italy regain command after Yilmaz’s goal.
On the left, Ruggeri concentrated on defensive balance and largely contained Arda Guler. Italy’s other central defender added physicality alongside Bastoni and was prominent in the visitors’ interception work, despite a communication lapse around Türkiye’s goal.
Italy’s captain had relatively little to do before the break but made two saves overall and managed his area calmly when Türkiye pressed after half-time. He had little chance of stopping Yilmaz’s emphatic strike.
Raspadori was withdrawn at half-time for Cambiaghi after making a limited attacking impact, although his linking play had helped Italy connect midfield and attack. Cambiaghi brought pace from wide areas, particularly when Italy broke forward after the interval.
Italy’s starting forward occupied defenders with his hold-up play before Doumbia replaced him in the 63rd minute. A later substitute for Esposito offered an aerial outlet in the closing stages, while the player brought on for Frattesi reinforced the right side.
Mancini’s substitutions preserved Italy’s structure after Türkiye’s only sustained spell of momentum. The result gives the Azzurri a significant Nations League A statement, built on early ruthlessness, midfield control and a composed response to adversity.
