The Nations League moves on under pressure in Turkey, where Vincenzo Montella’s side return home with little time to dwell on a narrow defeat to France. Italy arrive for the second matchday carrying a heavier burden: another major setback and a growing need to restore belief.
Turkey lost 1-0 to France on Friday but produced a performance that unsettled their visitors despite the absence of Hakan Calhanoglu, Kenan Yildiz and Mert Muldur. After an underwhelming World Cup campaign from a manageable group, the hosts now have the chance to answer their supporters on home soil.
Quick facts
- Turkey host Italy in the second round of Nations League fixtures.
- Turkey were beaten 1-0 by France in their opening match.
- Italy started with a 2-0 defeat against Belgium.
- Turkey will face Belgium on 2 October after the Italy match.
- Italy have never lost a match against Turkey.
Montella’s team showed defensive resistance against France even without three important players, but the result left them needing a response. The Italy fixture offers an immediate opportunity to turn a competitive display into points.
Italy, meanwhile, were beaten 2-0 by Belgium despite creating enough chances to make the contest more difficult. The defeat prevented the Azzurri from making a positive start to their Nations League campaign and extended the doubts around a team struggling to deliver against leading opponents.
The visitors’ recent history has added to the scrutiny. Italy did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, having also missed the tournaments in Qatar in 2022 and Russia in 2018.
There is one statistic for Italy to cling to before kick-off: they remain unbeaten in every previous meeting with Turkey. Turkey, however, will see a chance to end that record, lift the mood after France and build momentum before their trip into the Belgium match on 2 October.
