Italy and Turkiye traded goals in a lively Nations League contest at the Stadio Dall’Ara in Bologna, where kick-off was scheduled for 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).
The match was part of Italy’s attempt to build momentum under returning coach Roberto Mancini after a 2-0 home defeat by Belgium, a 4-1 victory over Turkiye in Bursa and a 1-1 draw in France.
Turkiye arrived under pressure, with Vincenzo Montella facing calls for his dismissal after losing all three of his previous matches. His side had scored only one goal and conceded eight during that run.
Italy produced the breakthrough when Nicolo Barella’s delivery was met by Riccardo Calafiori, whose looping header found the far corner. Turkiye appealed for a foul on Eren Elmali, but the officials allowed the goal to stand.
The visitors responded with a well-constructed attack. Zeki Celik was released down the right and pulled the ball back from the by-line. Elmali flicked it on, leaving Aral Simsir unmarked at the back post to sweep his finish into the net.
Turkiye continued to threaten after the equaliser. Elmali sent a dangerous ball across the face of goal without finding a team-mate, while Simsir later had a free header charged down following another cross from the right.
Irfan Can Kahveci also fired wildly over from a promising position, illustrating the finishing problems that had frustrated Turkiye despite some effective passing moves. Aral Simsir got behind Di Lorenzo at the by-line but chose to shoot when better options were available.
Italy had opportunities of their own. Doumbia’s angled effort was saved by the goalkeeper’s outstretched foot after good build-up play involving Daniel Maldini and Pio Esposito. Barella also played a back-heel into the path of Kayode, while Esposito impressed with his hold-up play, shielding the ball with his back to goal before laying it off for Maldini.
There was a brief delay before the second half as officials repaired a hole in the Italy net, with Gianluigi Donnarumma helping to push it back into place. Neither side made changes at the interval, although Calafiori was among the Italian substitutes warming up.
Italy later introduced Sandro Tonali for Barella, while Turkiye sent on Bartug and Fakili for Aral Simsir and Irfan Can Kahveci. Pio Esposito, Kayode and Calafiori also came on for Italy, replacing Gianluca Scamacca, Ruggeri and Di Lorenzo.
Doumbia was booked after being brought down by Zeki Celik during a counter-attack, while Ruggeri received a yellow card for pulling back an opponent in midfield.
Elsewhere, Belgium led France 1-0 in the other result being followed during the live coverage.
