Kayode Scores and Assists on Italy Debut in 4-1 Win Over Turkey

Michael Kayode marked his senior Italy debut with a goal and an assist as the Azzurri swept aside Turkey 4-1 in Bursa, delivering a sharp response to their recent Nations League defeat against Belgium.

The 22-year-old Brentford full-back played a direct role in Italy’s first two goals at the Ataturk Spor Kompleksi Matli Stadyumu. His early shot was stopped, but Davide Frattesi converted the loose ball, before Kayode doubled the visitors’ advantage himself.

Quick facts

• Italy won 4-1 away to Turkey in Bursa.
• Michael Kayode scored once and helped create Davide Frattesi’s goal on his first senior appearance.
• Alessandro Bastoni and Francesco Pio Esposito also scored for Italy.
• Baris Alper Yilmaz scored Turkey’s lone goal.
• Italy will next face France after bouncing back from a 2-0 loss to Belgium.

Italy’s first-half display proved decisive, with Bastoni and Esposito adding further goals as Roberto Mancini’s team controlled a demanding away occasion. Yilmaz’s strike offered the hosts a consolation, but did not alter the outcome of a one-sided night for the visitors.

Kayode said he had not anticipated such an immediate contribution on his international debut. “I didn’t expect my debut to go like this, so I am really happy,” he said after the match.

The result carried added importance after Italy’s 2-0 setback against Belgium only days earlier. Kayode said the squad had approached the Turkey match determined to show that defeat did not reflect its level.

“We played in the first half with a fantastic simplicity and determination,” the defender said. “We wanted to really prove ourselves, in a difficult match in an incredible stadium atmosphere, so winning here was fantastic.”

Heavy rain left the surface muddy and slippery in Bursa, while Kayode also attempted to use the long throw-ins that have become a feature of his club game at Brentford. He repeatedly dried the ball with a towel before taking throws, giving Italy another route to sustain pressure around the Turkish penalty area.

Italy had worked on set-piece variations before the game, although Kayode acknowledged that the conditions limited their execution. “We had tried a few things in training, but it wasn’t easy today with these conditions,” he said.

The win gives Italy renewed momentum before a major group-stage meeting with France. Kayode said the squad had wanted to make a statement in Turkey and now intends to carry that response into its next test.

“We wanted to prove something and start the charge. Now we will face France,” he said.