Kenya Sport

Italy vs. Türkiye Nations League Clash: Preview, Predictions, and Lineups

Italy wraps up a long international break by hosting Türkiye in the UEFA Nations League this Monday. After missing out on the World Cup and going through a turbulent summer, Italy has turned back to Roberto Mancini, their Euro 2020-winning coach, hoping to regain stability. Since his return, performances haven't been flawless, but the Azzurri did deliver a convincing 4-1 win over Türkiye, followed by a draw against France.

Türkiye participated in last year’s World Cup but exited early after a poor group stage showing. Things haven't improved under Vincenzo Montella’s leadership, with three straight losses in the Nations League so far.

This upcoming match marks the 15th time these two teams face off internationally. Italy has dominated historically, remaining unbeaten since their first encounter in 1962, with 10 wins and four draws.

Score Prediction: Italy to Extend Their Dominance

Italy enters as strong favorites in Bologna. Türkiye's struggles continue, having conceded eight goals across three Nations League games and missing key players Kenan Yıldız and Hakan Çalhanoğlu. Even young talent Arda Güler from Real Madrid hasn't changed their fortunes.

On the other hand, Italy is on a positive trajectory after two unbeaten matches, starting with a dominant victory over Türkiye that saw them take a three-goal lead before halftime. Expect Italy to add more goals at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.

  • Head-to-head record: Italy remains unbeaten, winning three of the last four meetings while scoring three or more goals each time. Türkiye’s best recent result was a draw on Italian soil in 2024.
  • Defensive concerns: Türkiye’s defense has been porous beyond the Nations League, conceding in all their World Cup matches and shipping eight goals in clashes against Spain last year.
  • Italy form: Despite missing the World Cup, Italy has won 10 of its last 14 matches in various competitions.

Prediction: Italy 3–0 Türkiye

Projected Italy Lineup Against Türkiye

Roberto Mancini might tweak his squad following the draw against France, but the core should stay consistent. Gianluigi Donnarumma is expected to remain the goalkeeper. Alessandro Bastoni, who scored in the previous two games, will hold the center-back role. Fullbacks could be Michael Kayode and Riccardo Calafiori from the Premier League.

The midfield trio may feature Sandro Tonali, Davide Frattesi, and the returning Nicolò Barella. Gianluca Mancini could replace Giorgio Scalvini in defense. Up front, the Esposito brothers—Pio and Sebastiano—are likely to start alongside Moise Kean.

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

Türkiye’s Expected Lineup Changes

Türkiye faces challenges without suspended stars Arda Güler and Barış Yılmaz. Güler received his second Nations League booking in the last loss to Belgium. Montella will have to adjust his attacking setup accordingly.

Deniz Gül is expected to lead the attack, supported by Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Yunus Akgün. Salih Özcan might return to midfield to bolster defensive coverage.

  • 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, Oct. 5
  • Kick-off Time: 2:45 p.m. ET / 11:45 a.m. PT / 7:45 p.m. BST
  • Referee: Szymon Marciniak (POL)
  • VAR Official: 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

More details on global UEFA Nations League broadcasters are available online.

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