Alessandro Bastoni admits he feels ‘in debt to the Italian people’ after the World Cup play-off red card, but hopes his goal against Turkiye can get them off ‘rock bottom.’

The Azzurri made eight changes from the side that lost 2-0 to Belgium on Friday, yet even that does not reflect the vast difference seen between these two performances.

They ran out 4-1 winners in Turkiye with goals from Bastoni in his first international game since the red card in the World Cup play-off with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Frattesi, Kayode and Francesco Pio Esposito.

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Turkiye 1-4 Italy

The Inter defender had been suspended for the first game of this group with Belgium, so it was an emotional moment to open the scoring in Bursa.

“It was inevitable that my mind would go back to Zenica,” confessed Bastoni to RAI Sport , referring to that World Cup play-off heartbreak.

“I will be in debt to the Italian people for the next four years. When faced with difficult situations, I have always chosen to emerge with head held high and take my responsibility.

“We hit rock bottom in recent years, but we want to get back on our feet. All we ask for is some balance and patience in judging this side, as there are many young players who want to learn.”