Mancini: 'Italy's lack of fluidity was predictable' after 9 changes vs Turkiye

Roberto Mancini expected Italy to lose some fluidity after making nine changes in their 3-1 victory against Turkiye. He noted that underestimating the Turkish side would be the biggest mistake, a warning that proved valid as Vincenzo Montella's team controlled the first half.

Following several saves by Gianluigi Donnarumma and significant Turkish possession, Gianluca Scamacca scored the opening goal after a fortunate deflection and a volley from eight yards.

Aral Simsir's deserved equalizer followed. Riccardo Calafiori then scored his first international goal, and Pio Esposito sealed the 3-1 win with a late tap-in.

Mancini predicted Italy's struggles

"Despite the changes, there was naturally fatigue. We struggled initially, but the players managed to get back on track and score again after the 1-1. It was a good game, considering it was the fourth in a short period," Mancini told RAI Sport.

The starting lineup saw nine alterations from the team that played in Paris, which inevitably impacted their performance in Bologna.

"The only certainty was that we would lose some fluidity; it was fully expected and predicted. We also had two players on yellow cards, and the referee seemed inclined to book them again, so I substituted them," Mancini explained.

Cagliari midfielder Alessandro Romano returned to the team and was deployed at times as a mezz’ala rather than a playmaker.

"Romano can handle that role easily. He needs to play these games to keep improving," he added.

Italy concludes this run of four Nations League matches in 11 days with clear improvements since their opening 2-0 defeat to Belgium. They secured a 4-1 win against Turkiye in Bursa, drew 1-1 in France, and achieved this latest result at the Stadio Dall’Ara in Bologna.

The Nazionale will reconvene next month for their final two Group A fixtures: hosting France on November 12 and visiting Belgium on November 15.

"We must continue like this. We will likely need to fight for our spot in Belgium," Mancini stated.

Italy now sits second in Group A with seven points, trailing France (10 points) but ahead of Belgium (six points).