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Italy vs. Türkiye Nations League Preview and Lineups

Italy wraps up a long international break by facing Türkiye in the UEFA Nations League on Monday. After missing the World Cup again and experiencing turmoil over summer, Italy brought back Roberto Mancini, their Euro 2020-winning coach, to steady things. Results haven't been flawless since his return, but they did defeat Türkiye 4–1 and followed that with a draw against France.

Türkiye participated in last summer's World Cup but exited early after a poor group stage showing. The troubles have continued under coach Vincenzo Montella, with Türkiye suffering three straight losses in the Nations League so far.

This match marks the 15th meeting between Italy and Türkiye on the international stage, with Italy completely dominating since their first encounter in 1962. The Azzurri remain unbeaten against Türkiye, holding 10 wins and four draws.

Predictions: Italy Expected to Extend Dominance

Italy enters as clear favorites in Bologna. Türkiye’s recent performances have been poor, conceding eight goals in three Nations League matches and struggling without key players Kenan Yıldız and Hakan Çalhanoğlu. Even Real Madrid star Arda Güler hasn't changed their fortunes.

Italy, meanwhile, is building momentum after remaining unbeaten in two games, including a dominant 4–1 win over Türkiye. They quickly established a three-goal lead in that match and will look to score multiple times again at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.

  • Head-to-head record: Italy has never lost to Türkiye, winning three of the last four meetings with at least three goals scored in each victory. The best result Türkiye managed recently was a draw in Italy in 2024.
  • Defensive struggles: Türkiye's defensive woes extend beyond the Nations League, having conceded in every World Cup game against Australia, Paraguay, and the U.S., plus shipping eight goals against Spain last year.
  • Italy form: Despite missing the World Cup, Italy has won 10 of its last 14 matches across all competitions.

Score prediction: Italy 3–0 Türkiye

Expected Lineup for Italy

Mancini may tweak the squad from the France draw due to the short turnaround, but the core lineup should stay intact. Gianluigi Donnarumma is expected to remain in goal. Alessandro Bastoni, who scored in the previous two games, will anchor the defense alongside Gianluca Mancini, possibly replacing Giorgio Scalvini. Fullback roles should be filled by Premier League players Michael Kayode and Riccardo Calafiori.

In midfield, Sandro Tonali and Davide Frattesi could be joined by the returning Nicolò Barella. Up front, the Esposito brothers, Pio and Sebastiano, will likely start again alongside Moise Kean.

  • Italy predicted lineup (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Kayode, Mancini, Bastoni, Calafiori; Frattesi, Tonali, Barella; S. Esposito, P. Esposito, Kean

Expected Lineup for Türkiye

Türkiye must improve from recent outings but will miss key player Arda Güler due to suspension. Barış Yılmaz is also out, forcing Montella to field a weakened attack. Deniz Gül is expected to lead the forward line, flanked by Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Yunus Akgün. Salih Özcan might return in midfield to bolster defensive cover.

  • Türkiye predicted lineup (4-3-3): Çakır; Çelik, Demiral, Bardakcı, Kadıoğlu; Elmaz, Özcan, Yüksek; Akgün, Gül, Aktürkoğlu

Match Details

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

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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