Roberto Mancini has tasted victory in his second spell as Italian boss, and it came in emphatic fashion against Turkey in the Nations League.
The 61 year old took the job again last month, stepping in after Gennaro Gattuso left in April following the Azzurri’s failure to reach a third consecutive World Cup. Mancini had previously led the side from 2018 to 2023 and lifted the Euro 2020 trophy by beating England at Wembley.
His comeback began badly, with a home defeat to Belgium on Friday. Many wondered whether the hurt of missing the World Cup still lingered over the squad. This performance answered those doubts.
Italy stormed to a three goal advantage before the interval. Alessandro Bastoni broke the deadlock in the ninth minute, turning home from a corner. Davide Frattesi doubled the lead by finishing a rebound after Michael Kayode’s effort was saved. Kayode then made his own mark on his international debut. The Brentford defender collected a pass from Pio Esposito, moved inside and slotted in the third.
Turkey, coached by former Italy striker Vincenzo Montella, left the pitch at half time to jeers from their own supporters. The home side had already crashed out of the World Cup at the group stage, and their struggles clearly carried over.
Baris Alper Yilmaz pulled one back early in the second period with his sixth goal for his country, offering the hosts brief hope. However, sloppy marking let them down again. In the 50th minute, Sandro Tonali struck the post, and Esposito nodded in the loose ball to restore the three goal cushion.
To their credit, Turkey kept fighting until the end, but the first half damage was too great to repair. They sit without a point after two matches, while Italy now have three and, more importantly, some belief.
