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Italy vs Türkiye: Nations League Preview, Predictions, and Lineups
Amir Azimi
Daily News

Italy vs Türkiye: Nations League Preview, Predictions, and Lineups

Italy and Türkiye Face Off in UEFA Nations League

Italy will close out an intense three-week international break by hosting Türkiye in the UEFA Nations League on Monday. The Azzurri recently defeated Türkiye 4-1 in a dominant display, bouncing back from a loss to Belgium, and then held France to a draw.

Türkiye, meanwhile, participated in last summer’s World Cup but had a disappointing group stage exit. Since then, the team has struggled, suffering three straight defeats in the Nations League under coach Vincenzo Montella.

Historical Edge for Italy

This upcoming match marks the 15th meeting between Italy and Türkiye at the international level. Italy holds a clear advantage, remaining unbeaten with 10 wins and four draws since their first encounter in 1962.

Match Prediction: Italy Expected to Extend Dominance

Italy is favored to win again in Bologna. Türkiye’s recent form in the Nations League has been poor, conceding eight goals over three games while missing key players Kenan Yıldız and Hakan Çalhanoğlu. Even promising talent Arda Güler of Real Madrid hasn’t helped turn things around.

The Azzurri, unbeaten in their last two matches, have already shown they can score freely against Türkiye, taking a three-goal lead in the first half of their previous clash. Italy should be able to find the net multiple times once more.

Key Stats and Form

  • Head-to-head record: Italy remains undefeated against Türkiye, winning three of the last four meetings with at least three goals scored in each victory. Türkiye’s best chance seems to be a draw, which they managed during a 2024 visit to Italy.
  • Defensive struggles: Türkiye’s defense has leaked goals consistently—not only in the Nations League but also in the World Cup, where they conceded in every group game and allowed eight goals against Spain across two matches last year.
  • Italy’s form: Despite missing out on the World Cup in North America, Italy has won 10 of its last 14 games across competitions.

Prediction: Italy 3–0 Türkiye

Projected Lineups

Italy (4-3-3)

  • Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
  • Defenders: Michael Kayode, Gianluca Mancini, Alessandro Bastoni, Riccardo Calafiori
  • Midfielders: Davide Frattesi, Sandro Tonali, Nicolò Barella
  • Forwards: Sebastiano Esposito, Pio Esposito, Moise Kean

Manager Roberto Mancini may tweak the lineup after the quick turnaround, but the squad’s backbone should stay intact. Bastoni has scored in the last two matches, and the Esposito brothers are expected to start alongside Kean upfront.

Türkiye (4-3-3)

  • Goalkeeper: Çakir
  • Defenders: Çelik, Demiral, Bardakcı, Kadıoğlu
  • Midfielders: Elmaz, Salih Özcan, Yüksek
  • Forwards: Yunus Akgün, Deniz Gül, Kerem Aktürkoğlu

Türkiye faces challenges with suspensions sidelining star player Arda Güler and Barış Yılmaz. Coach Montella will need to adjust the attack accordingly, possibly bringing in Deniz Gül to lead the frontline.

Match Details

  • Location: Bologna, Italy
  • Stadium: Stadio Renato Dall’Ara
  • Date: Monday, Oct. 5
  • Kick-off Time: 2:45 p.m. ET / 11:45 a.m. PT / 7:45 p.m. BST
  • Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
  • VAR: Piotr Lasyk (Poland)

Broadcast Information

  • United States: Fox Sports 2, fuboTV, ViX, Fox One
  • Canada: DAZN Canada, TLN, fuboTV Canada, VIVA
  • Mexico: Sky Sports Mexico, Sky+, izzi
  • United Kingdom: Amazon Prime Video

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