France returns to victory in the fourth week of the 2026/27 Nations League. The Bleus overcame Belgium 4-1 in the direct confrontation between the first and second places in the standings (before the start of the match) in Group 1 of League A, led by goals from Doué (77'), Cherki (81') and a double from Olise (89' and 91') in Saint-Denis. Zidane thus strengthens his position at the top of the standings, with the Roosters once again finding a way to cope with the absence of Mbappé, relying on the endless talent of a team that remains among the best in the world even without the Real Madrid star.
After the final whistle, van Bommel's Red Devils, overtaken by Italy, drop to third place in the group: the 3-1 victory of Mancini's team over Montella's Turkey allows the Azzurri to overtake the Belgians, for whom Lukebakio's early goal (35') is not enough.
ITALY 3-1 TURKEY
Italy beat Turkey 3-1 in the fourth week of the Nations League and climbed to second place in Group 1 of League A, also thanks to Belgium's defeat against France (4-1 for Zidane). The next victory for coach Mancini was secured by goals from Scamacca, Calafiori and Pio Esposito, who thus forced the Italian of the Turks, Montella, to remain with zero points in the standings: now the position of the coach of the Turkish national team is really in danger. At Dall'Ara, Mancini decides to revolutionize the starting lineup, confirming only two of the starters who were activated in the last match against France, namely the center-back Bastoni and the goalkeeper Donnarumma, with the latter being forced to make the first two saves of the match during the opening 15 minutes.
Italy struggled to build up the game, but in the 26th minute they found the shot to suddenly unlock the result: in the first good opportunity, Scamacca fired a powerful shot with his right foot that gave Italy the advantage, taking advantage of a favorable deflection. After a lackluster first half, lacking rhythm and ideas, the Blues tried to show more grit in the second half and put Cakir in trouble with Doumbia in the 58th minute, but in the 61st minute they conceded the equalizer: Juventus player Celik delivered a cross into the penalty area that Simsir converted into a goal, also helped by Elmali's previous touch. Calafiori, however, does not give up and in the 64th minute, he scores his first goal with a header in the blue jersey, putting Mancini's national team back in the lead after a well-executed free kick by Barella.
In the spotlight with a very important defensive intervention in the 71st minute is Vergara (who later came off due to injury), while Donnarumma stretches out and waits for Oczan's right-footed shot eight minutes later. Italy then returns to the attack and Pio Esposito seals the match in the 87th minute, after a beautiful move by Doumbia: the seventh goal in thirteen matches for the national team for the Inter striker, quick to deflect Romano's shot into the net. Italy thus climbs to 7 points in the group: Mancini is now assured of third place, which means at least being ranked as the top team in the upcoming European qualifiers.
LEAGUE B
Northern Ireland draw 0-0 with Georgia in Group 2 of League B: Mamardashvili saves a penalty from Price in the 84th minute. Meanwhile, Hungary wins 2-1 against Ukraine in the Italian derby with Rossi and Maldera on the bench: Toth (52') and Csinger (85') score for the Hungarians, while Yaremchuk scores for the Ukrainians.
In Group 4, it is Bosnia and Herzegovina that defeats Poland 1-0: after Tabakovic's goal was disallowed for offside (48'), Basic scores from the penalty spot (84'). Sweden wins 1-0 against Romania: Gyokeres scores (14').
LEAGUE C
Cyprus enjoy a 2-1 triumph over Latvia in Group 2 of League C: Kosti (70') and Edwards (94') overturn Daskević's (57') advantage. Montenegro draw 0-0 with Armenia: Loncar is sent off in the 86th minute for the hosts.
UEFA Nations League
League A: Group 1
France 4-1 Belgium
Italy 3-1 Turkey
League B: Group 2
Northern Ireland 0-0 Georgia
Ukraine 1-2 Hungary
League B: Group 4
Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-0 Poland
Romania 0-1 Sweden
League C: Group 2
Cyprus 2-1 Latvia
Montenegro 0-0 Armenia
