Frattesi: ‘Hadn’t scored for Italy in too long, confused by Kayode towel’ | OneFootball

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.

Frattesi thriving this season

BURSA, TURKEY – SEPTEMBER 28: Davide Frattesi of Italy celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Türkiye and Italy at Atatürk Spor Kompleksi Matli Stadyumu on September 28, 2026 in Bursa, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

“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.

Davide Frattesi speaks at Italy press conference

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

“This was my objective, I was strongly motivated and had a fire burning inside me after what happened last season. I will carry that within me for a long time.

“I hope to contribute to the cause with more goals, but I wasn’t expecting this season to start so well.”

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

Italy made eight changes from the side that lost to Belgium, but moved the ball around so quickly and with one-touch passing connections.

“I’ve known guys like Raspadori and Pio Esposito for a few years. The passing moves came quite easily to us, even though they are far from easy.”

BURSA, TURKEY – SEPTEMBER 28: Merih Demiral of Turkiye reacts as Davide Frattesi of Italy (not pictured) celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Türkiye and Italy at Atatürk Spor Kompleksi Matli Stadyumu on September 28, 2026 in Bursa, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

Frattesi also confirmed his ability to ghost into the box, ready to tap in the rebound from a save on Kayode’s angled drive.

“The coach had told me, make sure you’re ready on the rebound! I already knew when the coach gives you advice, it’s never out of thin air, there is always a good reason.”

Another secret weapon unleashed by Kayode’s presence is his extraordinarily long throw, which has already become a regular tactic for Brentford in the Premier League.

It was something that required a little extra preparation on a rainy and muddy night in Bursa.

“I was honestly confused when I saw him with a towel on the touchline… What is he doing? It was a good tactic, though!” laughed Frattesi.