Roberto Mancini secured the first victory of his second spell as Italy manager as the Azzurri produced a convincing 4-1 Nations League win over Turkey.
The 61-year-old returned to the national team last month following Gennaro Gattuso’s departure in April, after Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. Mancini had previously led the country between 2018 and 2023, winning Euro 2020 with victory over England at Wembley.
His comeback began poorly with a home defeat to Belgium on Friday, but Italy responded with a far stronger performance against Turkey and effectively decided the contest before half-time.
Alessandro Bastoni opened the scoring in the ninth minute by converting from a corner. Davide Frattesi then doubled the advantage after Michael Kayode’s initial effort was saved.
Kayode, making his senior international debut, added Italy’s third after receiving a pass from Pio Esposito, cutting inside and finishing confidently.
Turkey, coached by former Italy forward Vincenzo Montella, were booed by the home crowd at the interval after another difficult display following their group-stage exit at the World Cup.
The hosts briefly improved after the restart when Baris Alper Yilmaz scored his sixth international goal, but Italy quickly restored their three-goal cushion. Sandro Tonali struck the post before Esposito reacted fastest and headed in the rebound in the 50th minute.
Turkey continued to push forward but could not recover from their poor first half and defensive mistakes.
The result leaves Italy on three points after two Nations League matches, while Turkey remain without a point.