Italy beat Turkiye 3-1 in Bologna to stay in Nations League QF hunt
Synopsis
Roberto Mancini's Italy came from behind after conceding an equaliser to beat Türkiye 3-1 in Bologna, with Scamacca ending a three-year international scoring drought and substitute Esposito netting his seventh Italy goal. The result, secured despite squad absences, keeps the Azzurri in the Nations League quarterfinal race and guarantees a seeded spot in the European Championship qualifying draw.
Key Takeaways
Italy defeated Türkiye 3-1 at Bologna on 6 October 2026 in UEFA Nations League Group A1 .
Gianluca Scamacca opened the scoring with his first Italy goal in three years; Aral Şimşir equalised after the restart.
Substitute Riccardo Calafiori headed Italy back in front before Pio Esposito sealed a 3-1 win — his seventh goal in 13 appearances.
The result lifts Italy to second place in Group A1 and keeps them in contention for the Nations League quarterfinals .
Italy will face France in Milan on 12 November and Belgium in Brussels on 15 November in their final group games.
Italy defeated Türkiye 3-1 at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara in Bologna on 6 October 2026, with goals from Gianluca Scamacca, Riccardo Calafiori, and Pio Esposito lifting the Azzurri to second place in UEFA Nations League Group A1. The result handed coach Roberto Mancini his first home win since returning to manage the national side.
How the Goals Fell
Scamacca broke the deadlock with a powerful right-footed strike in the first half — his first goal for Italy in three years — after Giovanni Di Lorenzo's cross deflected off Celik and sat up perfectly for the Atalanta striker. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma had earlier kept his side level, stretching to tip away Kabak's long-range effort and blocking a header from Akgün.
Türkiye levelled shortly after the restart through Aral Şimşir, who found space to head home. The equaliser was a warning sign — a misunderstanding between Di Lorenzo and Donnarumma had earlier nearly gifted the visitors an opening, though Şimşir failed to capitalise on that occasion.
Substitute Calafiori restored Italy's lead with a commanding header from Nicolò Barella's free kick, and Esposito sealed the win in the closing stages, deflecting Romano's cross into the net for his seventh goal in 13 appearances for the Azzurri. A crowd of 30,000 at the Dall'Ara celebrated a result that carried genuine table consequences.
What the Result Means for Italy
The 3-1 win, achieved despite several notable absences in the squad, ensures Italy will be seeded in the European Championship qualifying draw. More immediately, it keeps them firmly in contention for a Nations League quarterfinal berth, with second place now secured in the group standings.
Notably, Italy started the match timidly, allowing Türkiye — themselves dealing with injuries — to threaten on several occasions. The resilience shown after conceding the equaliser reflects a maturing response under Mancini's second stint in charge.
Italy's Road Ahead
The Azzurri return to action on 12 November when they host France in Milan, before travelling to Brussels on 15 November to face Belgium in their final two group fixtures. Those two results will determine whether Italy advance to the quarterfinals or face a playoff for their Nations League status.
Point of View
Which raises questions ahead of November's fixtures against France and Belgium — two of Europe's sharpest attacking sides. Esposito's emergence as a reliable finisher is the most encouraging subplot; at seven goals in 13 appearances, he is filling a vacancy Italy has struggled to address since the prime years of their previous generation. Whether Mancini can hold the team's shape against top-tier opposition remains the open question.
NationPress
6 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between Italy and Türkiye in the Nations League?
Italy beat Türkiye 3-1 in Bologna on 6 October 2026 in their UEFA Nations League Group A1 fixture. Goals from Gianluca Scamacca, Riccardo Calafiori, and Pio Esposito secured the win.
Who scored for Italy against Türkiye?
Gianluca Scamacca scored Italy's opener in the first half, his first international goal in three years. Riccardo Calafiori headed Italy back in front after Türkiye equalised, and Pio Esposito sealed the 3-1 win in the closing stages.
What does the result mean for Italy in the Nations League?
The win lifts Italy to second place in UEFA Nations League Group A1 and keeps them in contention for a quarterfinal spot. It also guarantees Italy a seeded position in the European Championship qualifying draw.
Who scored for Türkiye against Italy?
Aral Şimşir scored Türkiye's equaliser shortly after half-time, heading home to make it 1-1 before Italy pulled ahead again through Calafiori and Esposito.
What are Italy's next Nations League fixtures?
Italy face France in Milan on 12 November 2026 and then travel to Brussels to play Belgium on 15 November. Those two matches will decide Italy's final standing in Group A1.
