Italy race to 3:0 lead over Turkey in first half, France edge past Belgium
In UEFA Nations League action, Italy built a 3:0 first-half lead against Turkey and went on to win 4:1, while France beat Belgium 1:0 thanks to a late goal.
Italy raced into a commanding lead in their UEFA Nations League A League fixture against Turkey, scoring three times inside the opening half hour. In the ninth minute, a corner kick fell to central defender Alessandro Bastoni, who struck a powerful and precise shot while falling to open the scoring.
Italy continued to dominate proceedings, repeatedly working the ball into dangerous areas around the Turkish penalty box. On two occasions the team created clear chances for right-back Matteo Cajode, who forced a save from the Turkish goalkeeper on his first attempt. However, Davide Frattesi was on hand to convert the rebound unchallenged, making it 2:0. Five minutes later, Cajode himself found the net, scoring his first goal in his debut appearance for the national team to make it 3:0 by the 27th minute.
Both sides added further goals in the second half. Turkey pulled one back through Yilmaz in the 47th minute, but Italy responded shortly after with a goal from Esposito in the 50th minute, extending their lead. The match finished with a 4:1 win for Italy.
France beat Belgium
In the group's other fixture, France needed a late strike to overcome Belgium. Substitute Michael Olise scored the only goal of the match in the 88th minute, curling a left-footed shot from 16 meters into the bottom corner for a 1:0 win. France's starting attack featured Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue and Esteban Lepaul, with Olise and Ousmane Dembele introduced from the bench in the second half.
Elsewhere in the Nations League, Latvia drew 0:0 with Cyprus, while Ukraine also finished level, 0:0, against Georgia.
