Mansion Sports – Roberto Mancini revealed the reason Giacomo Raspadori was substituted at half-time during Italy’s 4-1 victory away to Turkey. “Now we will try to show what we can do in France.”

The coach was already under pressure after last Friday’s 2-0 defeat to Belgium and made eight changes to the starting lineup.

The changes paid off as Italy produced their best first-half performance that Azzurri fans had witnessed in recent years. Italy raced into a 3-0 lead in Bursa through goals from Alessandro Bastoni, Davide Frattesi, and Kayode.

After Turkey fought back through Baris Alper Yilmaz and were handed some fortune when a goal was ruled out for offside, Francesco Pio Esposito sealed the 4-1 victory.

Mancini Pleased With Italy’s Performance

“We played on a pitch that had been soaked by rain all day and it was only natural to expect a response from Turkey,” Mancini told RAI Sport.

“All the players were outstanding. Raspadori had a problem, we were worried that we might have to take him off after five minutes of the second half, so we replaced him at the break.

“The team played further forward, maintained possession, and moved the ball well. Raspadori did what we asked of him, he played well.”

The performance was completely different from what was seen against Belgium, featuring quick one-touch passing and the style of play that Mancini has promised since returning to the coaching bench.

Italy Will Face France

Italy will next face France in Paris on Friday, October 2. So, which of these two very different performances will we see?

“Now we have to focus on the next match, try to recover our energy, we have players who are still fresh at home and we will try to show what we can do in Paris.”

Nicolò Zaniolo is certain to miss out due to a muscle injury, but 10 players did not even travel to Turkey because of fitness issues, including Nicolò Barella, Gianluca Mancini, and Diego Coppola, who all started against Belgium, as well as Honest Ahanor, Eddy Kouadio, Samuele Ricci, Samuele Inacio, Mohamed Ali Zoma, and Daniel Maldini.

Sebastiano Esposito, Kayode, and Matteo Ruggeri made their debuts, all as starters.

“Considering that this was their first match, they did well, so congratulations to them,” Mancini concluded.

France secured a 1-0 victory away to Belgium thanks to Michael Olise’s 89th-minute goal, leaving Italy level with Belgium on three points.

Mancini also spoke to Sky Sport Italia and provided some further insight into his approach.

“I am satisfied, we had a very good approach on a difficult and muddy pitch. I am very happy for these players, because they deserved it,” Mancini told Sky Sport Italia.

Mancini’s Strategy Worked Well

“We asked the forwards to start from wide positions, Sebastiano on the left and Raspa moving inside behind Pio, allowing Kayode to attack from the right. Everything worked well, although Turkey responded in the second half and we had some difficulties.

“Kayode was making his debut, so it was not easy, but he performed very well, regardless of the goal.

“This victory is worth the same as the defeat to Belgium, which means nothing. What really matters is that the players realize they can do good things. There is still a long journey ahead, and now we need to focus on the next match.”