Davide Frattesi ‘hadn’t scored for Italy in too long’ and reveals Roberto Mancini planned the rebound goal in a 4-1 win over Turkiye , as well as Michael Kayode’s secret weapon.

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 Alessandro 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.

“I really wanted this, as I hadn’t scored for Italy in too long,” Frattesi told Sky Sport Italia.

This was his ninth goal for the Nazionale, the first since October 2024 in another 4-1 victory against Israel.

“We needed to give a concrete response to the defeat against Belgium, and relaunch a new era that hopefully can give the Italian fans a lot of satisfaction.”

It has been a strong season so far for the midfielder, who left Inter after growing frustrated at the lack of opportunity, and already has three goals in five Serie A games for Lazio.

“Being decisive here can only happen if first I am decisive with my club and above all play regularly,” confessed Frattesi.