Italy return from their encouraging draw in Saint-Denis with an opportunity to build momentum against a Turkey side arriving at a difficult point in its Nations League campaign. Roberto Mancini’s team drew 1-1 with France, while Vincenzo Montella’s Turkey remain bottom of League A Group 1 without a point.
The meeting follows Italy’s 4-1 victory in Bursa on Monday, a result that has further increased the pressure on Turkey as they seek to arrest their slide in the group.
Turkey’s squad depleted by suspensions and injuries
Montella must manage without several important attacking and creative options. Hakan Calhanoglu and Kenan Yildiz are already unavailable through injury, while Arda Guler and Baris Alper Yilmaz will miss the match because of suspension.
The absences leave Turkey facing an even steeper task against an Italian side looking to turn its promising result against France into a more sustained Nations League recovery.
Mancini considers changes in attack
Italy will also be without Moise Kean, with Mancini confirming that the forward has not recovered in time. Gianluca Scamacca could therefore come into the starting line-up in place of Pio Esposito.
That switch would allow Sebastiano Esposito to remain on the left side of the Italian attack, as Mancini weighs his options following the demanding trip to France.
Despite the scoreline in Bursa and Turkey’s position at the foot of the section, Mancini has insisted his players will not treat the fixture lightly. He described Turkey as a strong team and said there was no danger of Italy underestimating their opponents.
