Italy beat Turkey 3-1 in a thrilling Nations League clash

Italy secured a high-scoring and entertaining 3-1 victory over Turkey in a thrilling UEFA Nations League clash.

The Azzurri took the lead in the first half, conceded a quick equaliser after the break, but their substitutes ultimately proved decisive in securing the victory.

The match began with pressure from Turkey, who tried their luck through Ozan Kabak and Salih Özcan, but Gianluigi Donnarumma remained solid in goal.

Italy struck in the 26th minute when Giovanni Di Lorenzo delivered a cross into the box. Following a scramble, Gianluca Scamacca hit the crossbar before reacting quickest to the rebound and sending the ball into the net to make it 1-0.

The second half brought a real goal fest.

In the 60th minute, Zeki Çelik sent a low cross from the right and Aral Şimşir reacted quickest at the far post to equalise and make it 1-1.

However, Turkey's joy was short-lived. Just five minutes later, in the 65th minute, substitute Riccardo Calafiori rose highest following a free-kick and headed Italy back in front, despite protests from the Turkish players over a possible foul.

In the 78th minute, Donnarumma produced another superb save to deny a powerful effort from Özcan and preserve Italy's lead.

Italy then put the result beyond doubt through another substitute. Young striker Francesco Pio Esposito reacted quickest to a loose ball in the 87th minute and finished from close range to make it 3-1.

A strong second-half performance and clinical finishing earned Italy a deserved 3-1 victory and confirmed the hosts' impressive control of the game.