Italy will look to build on their impressive victory over Turkey when the two nations meet again at the Stadio Dall’Ara in Bologna on Monday evening in the UEFA Nations League.
Roberto Mancini has made a promising start to his second spell as Italy manager after returning to the national team three years after leaving for Saudi Arabia. Although his comeback began with a disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Belgium, the Azzurri responded emphatically with a 4-1 victory over Turkey in Bursa, showcasing the potential of a younger squad.
Italy made a blistering start in that encounter, establishing a three-goal advantage before half-time, with emerging talents Pio Esposito and Michael Kayode among the goalscorers. The result provided a much-needed confidence boost ahead of their subsequent meeting with France.
Mancini’s men then produced a resilient performance in Paris, holding France to a 1-1 draw. Alessandro Bastoni scored for the second consecutive match, while captain Gianluigi Donnarumma delivered an outstanding display, making seven saves to help Italy secure a valuable point.
Italy currently sit third in League A Group 1 with four points, two behind Belgium and three adrift of leaders France. With France scheduled to visit Milan next month before the Azzurri travel to Brussels, Monday’s encounter presents an important opportunity to collect maximum points and remain in contention for the top positions.
Turkey, meanwhile, arrive in Bologna under considerable pressure after losing their opening three matches. Vincenzo Montella’s side suffered a narrow defeat to France before being thrashed 4-1 by Italy and subsequently losing 3-0 to Belgium.
The latest defeat marked their fifth loss in six matches, leaving them bottom of the group without a point.
Having earned consecutive promotions from the lower tiers of the Nations League, Turkey are experiencing their first campaign in League A.
However, their difficult start has placed them in danger of immediate relegation, increasing the pressure on Montella to deliver a positive result.
Italy have also enjoyed the historical advantage, winning three of their last four meetings with Turkey, including a 3-0 success at Euro 2020. With home advantage and renewed confidence, Mancini’s side will be determined to extend that record.
Team News
Italy manager Roberto Mancini could make several changes to his starting lineup after making only two alterations for Friday’s draw against France.
Riccardo Calafiori and Moise Kean were introduced in place of Mateo Ruggeri and the injured Giacomo Raspadori, while further rotation is possible as Mancini continues to assess his squad.
Pio Esposito is among the players pushing for another start after impressing in recent matches. The young striker has scored six goals in 12 international appearances and could feature alongside his brother Sebastiano Esposito, although Gianluca Scamacca and Kean are also competing for places in attack.
Antonio Vergara could be another option after making an encouraging impression as a second-half substitute on his international debut. Experienced midfielders Nicolo Barella and defender Gianluca Mancini could also return to the starting lineup after being left out against France.
Turkey will be without several important players for the encounter. Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler is suspended after receiving a yellow card in the defeat to Belgium, while Galatasaray forward Baris Alper Yilmaz is also unavailable due to suspension. Their absences will force Montella to make changes to his attacking setup.
The visitors are already without Hakan Calhanoglu and Kenan Yildiz, who remain sidelined through injury. Calhanoglu’s absence is particularly significant given his influence in midfield, meaning Merih Demiral is expected to captain the side once again.
Possible Lineups
Italy possible starting lineup:
Donnarumma; Kayode, Scalvini, Bastoni, Calafiori; Barella, Tonali, Frattesi; Vergara, P. Esposito, Kean
Turkey possible starting lineup:
Cakir; Kabak, Demiral, Celik; Kadioglu, Ozcan, Yuksek, Elmali; Akgun, Akturkoglu; Gul
How to Watch
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| TV Broadcast | SuperSport |
| Live Stream | dstv stream |
| Kick-off Time | 19:45pm(WAT) |
MATCH PREDICTION
Softfootball Italy 2-0 Turkey. Italy will head into the contest as favourites following their convincing 4-1 victory in the reverse fixture.
Mancini’s team have demonstrated improved attacking quality and greater confidence, while their performance against France highlighted their defensive resilience. Turkey’s situation is increasingly concerning, particularly with Arda Guler and Baris Alper Yilmaz suspended and Calhanoglu and Yildiz unavailable through injury. Those absences could further limit their attacking threat against an Italian side growing in confidence.
Although Montella’s men will be desperate to respond, Italy’s home advantage and greater squad depth should give them the upper hand.
