Zidane and Mancini get first home wins in charge of France and Italy in Nations League

In a Nations League match held at the Renato Dall Ara Stadium in Bologna, Italy secured a 3-1 victory over Turkey on Monday, further securing their position in the quarter-finals. Gianluca Scamacca put Italy ahead in the 26th minute with a well-executed goal. However, Aral Simsir leveled the score just after the hour mark. Italy then responded with goals from Riccardo Calafiori and Pio Esposito, sealing their win with three minutes remaining.

Italy now sit in second place in Group A1, trailing leaders France by three points and one point ahead of Belgium at the bottom of the table. Turkey, having failed to secure a point in their opening game, currently find themselves at the bottom of the standings. Italy, under the guidance of coach Roberto Mancini in his second spell, are looking to build upon their previous victories, including a 4-1 win against Turkey in the reverse fixture and a 1-1 draw with France.

The Turkish team entered the match fielding a weakened lineup, with several key players absent due to suspension and injury. Despite a subdued start, Turkey showed promise early on, forcing Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to make several smart saves. However, it was Italy who took the lead in the 26th minute, with Scamacca scoring his second international goal.

Turkey managed to equalize just after the hour mark, with Zeki Celik's cross finding the head of Aral Simsir. The lead was quickly restored by Italy, with Calafiori scoring from a well-delivered free-kick, and the match ultimately decided by Esposito's seventh goal in 13 games just minutes from the final whistle.