Italy won 3-2 in an entertaining friendly against Turkey on Tuesday after Giacomo Raspadori scored twice, although that was scant consolation for their agonizing failure to qualify for the World Cup and added to Turkey’s misery after missing.

Both countries were knocked out of the tournament in Qatar after suffering defeats in their qualifying semi-finals last week which, had they won, would have pitted them for a World Cup berth.

European champions Italy suffered a 1-0 home defeat to North Macedonia, while Turkey wasted a late penalty by losing 3-1 away to Portugal.

The Azzurri got off to the worst possible start as Cengiz Under netted in four minutes

But Bryan Cristante’s header drew Azzurri level just before halftime

On Tuesday, Cengiz Under put Turkey ahead in the fourth minute with a low shot between the legs of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. But Italy retaliated with two quick goals in the dying minutes of the first half to lead.

Bryan Cristante equalized with a powerful 35th-minute free-kick header before an error by Turkish keeper Altay Bayindir left him face to face with Raspadori, who put the Italian side ahead in the 39th minute.

Italy extended their lead with a second Raspadori goal in the 69th minute before Turkey’s Serdar Dursun gave hope for a late comeback in the 83rd, but the hosts were unable to capitalize on a flurry of late occasions.

Giacomo Raspadori (C) then netted his first of two to turn the game around.

Raspadori added his second – which came in the second half – to give Italy a two-goal cushion

Serdar Dusan struck late to ensure Italy would face a nervous end to the game

Turkey last qualified for the World Cup in 2002 when they finished third behind defending champions Brazil and runners-up Germany. Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup four years ago, their first failure to reach the world tournament since 1958.

Italy boss Roberto Mancini hailed his new look for stepping up and impressing, saying his young talent had caught the eye in a hostile environment – but insisted the team would have ‘regrets’ until December as she prepares to watch as the best teams in the world head to Qatar.

“It was useless in terms of competition, but if you have to do things, you have to do them right, even in negative circumstances,” he told RAI Sport.

Italy endured one of the worst nights in their history after being knocked out of the World Cup play-off semi-finals against North Macedonia last week

Roberto Mancini has praised his young, new-look squad but insisted the team will have ‘regrets’ until December when the World Cup takes place.

“The younger guys did well and it’s nice. It was nice to see the reaction when we wanted to go 1-0 down too, because it was fiery here, the fans created a good atmosphere, so we did well. keeping our cool and taking control after the first 15 minutes.

“It was the first time many of them played together, so it was not easy. They are young players, we need time and it was not an easy situation. I am happy that they did well.

“Although unfortunately we are not where we wanted to be, the reaction from the team has been strong. We will have regrets until December.