Italy thrash Turkey away, France snatch late win over Belgium
In the UEFA Nations League's second round, Italy beat Turkey 4-1 away while France secured a last-minute win over Belgium. Elsewhere, Sweden defeated Poland, while Ukraine and Northern Ireland played to draws.
In the second round of UEFA Nations League League A, Group 1, Italy's national football team delivered a convincing 4-1 away win over Turkey in Bursa. The Italians scored three goals within roughly 18 minutes in the first half, with Alessandro Bastoni, Davide Frattesi and Michael Kayode finding the net. Early in the second half, hosts Turkey pulled one back through Baris Yilmaz, but Francesco Esposito restored Italy's three-goal cushion just minutes later.
In the same group, France needed until the closing stages to beat Belgium. The French dominated possession and created more chances in the first half, continuing in the same vein into the second. Belgium had late opportunities of their own, but in the 88th minute substitute Michael Olise scored the decisive goal, receiving the ball near the centre line and dribbling past several defenders before finishing.
After two rounds, France lead the group with six points, Belgium and Italy have three points each, and Turkey remain without a point.
Other results
In League B, Sweden beat Poland 3-1 at home, with goals from Benjamin Nygren, Yasin Ayari and Viktor Gyokeres, while Sebastian Szymanski scored Poland's only goal. In the same group, Bosnia and Herzegovina won 4-2 away against Romania. After two matches, Sweden lead with six points, Bosnia and Herzegovina have four, Poland one, and Romania none.
In another League B group, Ukraine drew 0-0 away against Georgia, while Northern Ireland played out a scoreless draw at home against Hungary. Northern Ireland and Ukraine each have four points after two rounds, while Hungary and Georgia have one point apiece.
In the previous Nations League season, Portugal won the title, beating Spain on penalties in the final after a 2-2 draw.
