Scamacca 'very happy' with first Italy goal in three years
Quick summary
Gianluca Scamacca expressed his delight after scoring his first goal for the Italy national team in three years.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceGianluca Scamacca is ‘very happy’ to have scored his first Italy goal in three years, paving the way for the 3-1 win over Turkiye in the Nations League.
The Azzurri had quite a sluggish start against the team at rock bottom in Nations League Group A, with Gianluigi Donnarumma needing a couple of early saves, but Gianluca Scamacca broke the deadlock by smashing in on the volley off the underside of the crossbar.
The Atalanta striker had not scored for Italy in three years, since a 3-1 European Qualifier defeat away to England in October 2023 at Wembley Stadium.
Scamacca ends long Italy drought BOLOGNA – OCTOBER 05: Gianluca Scamacca of Italy scores his team’s first goal during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Italy and Türkiye at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on October 05, 2026 in Bologna. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) “I am very happy, but above all happy for the result, as it was very important to win today,” Scamacca told RAI Sport.
Turkiye equalised through Aral Simsir, but Riccardo Calafiori and Pio Esposito ensured the 3-1 result.
“We knew it would not be easy, as Turkiye are a tough and aggressive team, but we played pretty well,” added the Atalanta striker.
BOLOGNA – OCTOBER 05: Gianluca Scamacca of Italy reacts during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Italy and Türkiye at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on October 05, 2026 in Bologna. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) He faces strong competition for the place, taking over from Pio Esposito upfront for this fourth game in 11 days.
“I focus on making sure I am ready when called upon, helping the Nazionale, and giving my all.”
BOLOGNA – OCTOBER 05: Italy players line up during the national anthem before the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Italy and Türkiye at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on October 05, 2026 in Bologna. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) There is now a return to Serie A and club football, with the Nazionale coming back together for the final Group A matches against France on November 12 and in Belgium on November 15.
Italy are now second in the Nations League group on seven points, ahead of Belgium on six, and three behind leaders France.
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What happened
Gianluca Scamacca marked his return to the scoresheet for Italy with a goal that ended a three-year drought for the Azzurri. The Atalanta striker, currently on loan from West Ham, spoke of his happiness at finding the net again on the international stage. The goal reinforces his case for a more prominent role in Italy's attacking setup going forward.
Chance analysis
Scamacca breaking a three-year international goal drought is a notable milestone for a striker whose career trajectory has been uneven since his move to West Ham. A goal for Italy provides both a confidence boost and validation of his recent resurgence at Atalanta, where his form has been markedly improved. For Italy, having a physically imposing, in-form centre-forward back among the goals adds genuine depth to their attacking options ahead of upcoming fixtures.
Scamacca's return to scoring for Italy strengthens his standing in the national team setup and reflects positively on his resurgent form at Atalanta.