Italy Secures 3-1 Victory Over Turkey in Nations League, Mancini Plays Full Match

Following a 1-1 draw in France, Roberto Mancini's Italy secured a 3-1 win against Vincenzo Montella's Turkey in Bologna during the 4th Nations League matchday. The Azzurri's victory places them temporarily in second position in their group.

Roma player Gianluca Mancini started and played the entire match. Daniele Ghilardi was not included in the squad for this game.

First Half

Italy faced minimal threat in the first half, despite Turkey controlling possession for the initial 20 minutes. Turkey's attacks were manageable for Donnarumma. Scamacca scored in the 23rd minute, but the goal was disallowed for offside. However, Scamacca found the net again in the 26th minute, converting a cross from Di Lorenzo to make it 1-0. The Italian defense, marshalled by Mancini and Bastoni, efficiently managed Turkey's advances and initiated build-up play.

Second Half

Turkey emerged more aggressive in the second half, equalizing in the 61st minute through Simsir, who was left unmarked to score from a cross by Celik. Italy responded quickly, with Calafiori heading in a free-kick in the 65th minute to regain the lead at 2-1. Italy remained solid defensively and threatened on the counter-attack. In the 87th minute, Doumbia won the ball, drove into the box, and his shot was deflected to Romano. Romano then passed to Pio Esposito, who scored with his first touch to seal the 3-1 victory.

Mancini's Performance

Defender Gianluca Mancini played the full 90 minutes. He delivered an alert performance, working effectively with Bastoni to shut down most of Turkey's offensive plays. Mancini also contributed significantly to the team's build-up, consistently finding the right passes with minimal touches.

ITALY-TURKEY 3-1 (26' Scamacca, 61' Simsir, 65' Calafiori, 87' P. Esposito)

ITALY (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo (55' Kayode), Mancini, Bastoni, Ruggeri (56' Calafiori); Barella (70' Tonali), Romano, Doumbia; Vergara (84' Frattesi), Scamacca (56' P. Esposito), Maldini.

Substitutes: Carnesecchi, Vicario, Cambiaghi, S. Esposito, Fagioli, Inacio, Scalvini.

Coach: Roberto Mancini

TURKEY (4-4-2): Cakir; Celik, Bardacki, Kabak, Kadioglu; Elmali, Yuksek, Ozkan, Kahveci; Simsir, Akgun.

Substitutes: Bayindir, Sengezer, Demiral, Topcu, Elmaz, Akturkoglu, Tiknaz, Gul, Fakili, Kabasakal, Aydin, Eskihellac.

Coach: Vincenzo Montella

Referee: Szymon Marciniak (POL)

Assistants: Tomasz Listkiewicz (POL) - Adam Kupsik (POL)

Fourth Official: Karol Arys (POL)

VAR: Piotr Lasyk (POL)

AVAR: (POL)

Yellow Cards: Scamacca (I), Ruggeri (I), Celik (T), Bardakci (T)