Italy 3-1 Turkey: Super-subs Calafiori and Esposito fire Azzurri to victory

Welcoming Turkey to the Renato Dall'Ara, Italy made wholesale changes with nine rotations to their starting line-up. Nonetheless, the hosts broke the deadlock in the 26th minute courtesy of a close-range volley from striker Gianluca Scamacca.

After Aral Simsir restored parity for Turkey in the 61st minute, Italy's tactical tweaks from the bench paid immediate dividends. Substitutes Riccardo Calafiori (64') and Francesco Pio Esposito (87') both found the net to seal a 3-1 victory for the Azzurri.

Thrilling encounter turned by super-subs

Turkey took the initiative from the opening whistle, asking questions of Gianluigi Donnarumma's goal. However, it was Italy who struck first in the 26th minute when Gianluca Scamacca fired home a clinical close-range volley.

Turkey's persistent pressure was rewarded in the 61st minute when Aral Simsir tapped home Celik's low cross to make it 1-1. Yet, just three minutes after coming on, defender Riccardo Calafiori rose highest to head Italy back in front in the 64th minute.

In the 87th minute, teenage forward Francesco Pio Esposito was in the right place at the right time to tap home from close range, putting the gloss on a 3-1 win for the hosts.

What the win means and Mancini's successful tactical experiments

Roberto Mancini's bold decision to make nine changes to his starting XI did little to disrupt Italy's rhythm. The hosts looked fluid throughout, dominating the expected goals (xG) battle with 1.90 compared to the visitors' 1.31.

The impressive displays from youngsters and fringe players like Riccardo Calafiori, Francesco Pio Esposito, and Issa Doumbia highlighted the Azzurri's formidable squad depth. These personnel experiments provide Mancini with plenty of tactical flexibility for the challenges ahead.

The three points lift Italy to second in Group A1 on seven points. This result keeps the Azzurri firmly on course for the quarter-finals ahead of their crucial showdown against Belgium in November.

The Editorial Verdict

A convincing victory over Turkey sees Italy consolidate second place in Group A1 with seven points, putting them in a strong position to reach the Nations League quarter-finals. Roberto Mancini's successful squad rotation has injected both depth and confidence into the Azzurri ahead of the business end of the campaign. Italy's fate in the group will now be decided in their high-stakes clash with Belgium this November.

Can Mancini's side overcome Belgium in their next fixture to secure a spot in the quarter-finals? Have your say in the comments below.