Italy Keep Up Chase With 3-1 Nations League Win Over Turkey

Italy kept the pressure on group leaders France with a comfortable 3-1 Nations League victory over Turkey on Monday, their third consecutive match without defeat. Roberto Mancini's side struck three times to stay within three points of top spot in Group A1. Gianluca Scamacca gave the Azzurri the lead before Turkey briefly threatened a comeback when Aral Simsir equalized just after the hour mark. Italy responded like a side with serious intent: Riccardo Calafiori headed them back in front, and young striker Pio Esposito sealed the points to cap another impressive night for the visitors. The result keeps Italy firmly in the hunt with the group entering its decisive phase, while Turkey's miserable campaign continued — four defeats from four matches leaves them rooted to the bottom of the table. With France pulling clear after their 4-1 demolition of Belgium, Italy know they can afford no more slip-ups if they are to snatch top spot.