Italy can turn their UEFA Nations League group into a genuine contest when Turkey arrive, with the hosts still chasing the leading positions after a draw against France and a comprehensive earlier win over the same opponents. Victory would increase the pressure on the two teams above them and extend the sense that Italy have recovered their competitive edge.
Turkey, by contrast, come into the match without a point from the group and needing a result to revive their campaign. Their previous meeting with Italy was one-sided, and the visitors must now respond without Arda Güler. A win is essential if they are to move back into contention rather than see their difficult international break continue.
Szymon Marciniak will referee the fixture, with Piotr Lasyk appointed to the VAR role. The midfield contest may decide whether Italy can impose themselves again. Nicolò Barella is expected to carry much of the responsibility for setting the tempo, taking risks in possession and giving the Italians control through the centre.
For Turkey, Ferdi Kadioglu offers an important outlet from full-back. His ability to advance down the flank and create attacking situations, while remaining dependable defensively, makes him one of the visitors’ key figures in a match that demands greater balance than their first encounter with Italy.
Expected teams
Italy are set to begin with Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal; Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Gianluca Mancini, Alessandro Bastoni and Matteo Ruggeri in defence; Barella, Romano and Doumbia across midfield; and Vergara, Gianluca Scamacca and Daniel Maldini leading the attack.
Turkey are expected to name Çakir; Çelik, Baerdakci, Kabak and Kadioglu; Elmali, Özcan and Kahveci; with Simsir, Akgün and Yüksek forming the forward line.
Italy’s wider group also includes Marco Carnesecchi, Guglielmo Vicario, Michael Kayode, Riccardo Calafiori, Nicolò Cambiaghi, Sandro Tonali, Esposito, Nicolò Fagioli, Inácio, Davide Frattesi and Giorgio Scalvini. Turkey have Bayindir, Sengezer, Demiral, Topçu, Elmaz, Aktürkoğlu, Tıknaz, Deniz Gül, Fakili, Kabasakal, Aydın and Eskihellaç available within their selection.
For Italy, this is an opportunity to make a group that once looked difficult feel open again. For Turkey, it is a night to halt a run of disappointment before their Nations League campaign slips beyond reach.
