Davide Frattesi said he was determined to end his long wait for an Italy goal after scoring in the Azzurri’s 4-1 victory over Turkiye, while revealing Roberto Mancini’s advice helped him find the rebound.
Italy responded strongly to Friday’s 2-0 defeat by Belgium, making eight changes and producing a significantly improved performance. Alessandro Bastoni, Frattesi, Michael Kayode and Francesco Pio Esposito were all on target in Bursa.
Bastoni scored in his first international appearance since being sent off in the World Cup play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Frattesi struck for the first time for Italy since October 2024, when he also scored in a 4-1 win over Israel.
“I really wanted this, as I hadn’t scored for Italy in too long,” Frattesi told Sky Sport Italia.
The goal was the midfielder’s ninth for the national team. He said Italy had been determined to provide an immediate response after the defeat by Belgium.
“We needed to give a concrete response to the defeat against Belgium, and relaunch a new era that hopefully can give the Italian fans a lot of satisfaction.”
Frattesi has also made an encouraging start to the domestic season after leaving Inter because of frustration over limited opportunities. He has scored three goals in five Serie A appearances for Lazio.
“Being decisive here can only happen if first I am decisive with my club and above all play regularly,” he said.
“This was my objective, I was strongly motivated and had a fire burning inside me after what happened last season. I will carry that within me for a long time.
“I hope to contribute to the cause with more goals, but I wasn’t expecting this season to start so well.”
Italy’s victory was built on quick passing and fluid movement, despite eight changes to the team that faced Belgium. Frattesi said the cohesion came naturally between several players who already knew one another.
“I’ve known guys like Raspadori and Pio Esposito for a few years. The passing moves came quite easily to us, even though they are far from easy.”
He was in the right position to turn home a rebound after Kayode’s angled effort was saved, following an instruction from the coach.
“The coach had told me, make sure you’re ready on the rebound! I already knew when the coach gives you advice, it’s never out of thin air, there is always a good reason.”
Kayode also provided a different attacking option with his unusually long throw-ins, a tactic already regularly used by Brentford in the Premier League.
The wet and muddy conditions in Bursa required some additional preparation, with Kayode using a towel on the touchline before delivering the throw.
“I was honestly confused when I saw him with a towel on the touchline… What is he doing? It was a good tactic, though!” Frattesi said with a laugh.
