Pio Esposito's late goal sealed a hard-earned win over Türkiye in Bologna and continued Italy's improvement under returning head coach Roberto Mancini. The hosts survived some tough moments to secure a 3-1 win and a quickfire double over their opponents, boosting their chances of a place in the Nations League quarterfinals.
Mancini's men went into the game after a creditable draw with France and a thumping 4-1 win over the Turks in Bursa last month, but they found the going tougher on home turf. Italy started well, and Gianluca Scamacca fired the first chance just wide in the 11th minute. Türkiye kept coming forward, with Irfan Kahveci and Ozan Kabak both coming close, but keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made key saves.
Italy took the lead before the half-hour mark when Antonio Vergara and Giovanni De Lorenzo combined, and Scamacca rammed home off the underside of the bar. Türkiye equalised through Aral Simsir, but Riccardo Calafiori headed Italy back in front. Donnarumma preserved the advantage late on, and Esposito wrapped up the win in the 88th minute after Doumbia's drive and Romano's feed.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing