UEFA Nations League – Carafiori scores as Italy defeats Turkey 3-1.

In another key match of the fourth round of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League Group A, Italy, playing at home, defeated Turkey 3-1 thanks to goals from Scamarca, Carafiori and Pio Esposito.

In the 9th minute, Türkiye created an attacking opportunity. Simsir received the ball and shot from the penalty area, but his shot was blocked by an opposing player. Shortly after, Baldakczy received a pass from Kadeoglu and took a long-range shot, but the ball went over the goal.

In the 12th minute, Italy attempted a counter-attack. Alessandro Romano passed the ball diagonally, and Scamaka received it before firing a long-range shot from the edge of the penalty area, but the ball went wide. In the 14th minute, Uxek passed the ball back to Ozan Kabak outside the penalty area, who unleashed a long-range shot, which Italian goalkeeper Donnarumma immediately dived to save.

In the 17th minute, Kahvec made a long pass, and Yunus Akkin headed the ball towards goal, but it was cleared by Italian goalkeeper Donnarumma. In the 23rd minute, Scamaka received a diagonal pass from his teammate and entered the penalty area to shoot and score, but Scamaka was offside beforehand, so the goal was disallowed.

In the 26th minute, Di Lorenzo chipped a pass into the penalty area, and Scamaka's header was blocked. Scamaka then volleyed the ball into the net, giving Italy a 1-0 lead. In the 39th minute, Scamaka passed the ball to Ruggeri, whose long-range shot was blocked by an opposing player.

In the 42nd minute, Scamaka stepped on the foot of Turkish midfielder Yuksek while vying for possession of the ball, and was therefore shown a yellow card by the referee.

At the start of the second half, Italy launched the first attack. Di Lorenzo headed the ball across, but Issa Doumbia's shot was blocked. Shortly after, Barella took a corner kick, and Di Lorenzo's header went wide.

In the 58th minute, Pio Esposito passed the ball diagonally into the penalty area, but Issa Doumbia's shot was saved by Turkish goalkeeper Çağlar. In the 61st minute, Ellen Elmaly passed the ball back from the penalty area, and Simsir fired a low shot into the net, leveling the score at 1-1 for Türkiye.

In the 64th minute, Barella took a free kick, and Carafiori headed the ball into the net, giving Italy a 2-1 lead again. In the 74th minute, Italy's attack was cleared, and Tonali rushed forward to shoot in the ensuing scramble, but the ball was blocked by an opposing player.

In the 82nd minute, Issa Doumbia passed the ball to Alessandro Romano, who took a long-range shot from outside the penalty area, but it was blocked by Turkish goalkeeper Çakır. In the 87th minute, Alessandro Romano made a diagonal pass to Pio Esposito, who slotted the ball home from close range, extending Italy's lead to 3-1.

In the end, Italy defeated Türkiye 3-1 at home.

Image source: Internet