NorthStandCA logo

Italy vs Türkiye: Nations League Preview, Predictions and Lineups

Italy concludes an intense three-week international break by welcoming Türkiye to Bologna for a UEFA Nations League match on Monday. The Azzurri claimed a commanding 4-1 victory over Türkiye just last week, bouncing back from a tough defeat against Belgium and a draw with France under the guidance of Roberto Mancini, who returned to steady the team after Italy missed out on the World Cup.

Türkiye, meanwhile, participated in the recent World Cup but exited early after a poor group stage performance. Since then, coach Vincenzo Montella has faced pressure following three consecutive Nations League losses. This fixture marks the 15th meeting between Italy and Türkiye, with Italy unbeaten in all previous encounters—boasting 10 wins and four draws dating back to 1962.

Match Prediction: Italy to Extend Dominance

Italy is favored to win easily again in Bologna. Türkiye’s defense has been shaky, conceding eight goals across three Nations League matches while missing key players Kenan Yıldız and Hakan Çalhanoğlu. Even rising star Arda Güler of Real Madrid hasn’t been able to reverse their fortunes.

The Azzurri enter the game on a positive run, undefeated in their last two matches, including the recent thrashing of Türkiye. Italy’s attack has been potent, regularly scoring three or more goals in recent victories against Türkiye, making a draw seem like the best possible outcome for the visitors.

  • Head-to-head: Italy remains unbeaten versus Türkiye, winning three of the last four meetings with at least three goals each time.
  • Defensive struggles: Türkiye conceded in all World Cup games against Australia, Paraguay, and the U.S., and also leaked eight goals against Spain in 2023.
  • Italy form: Despite missing the World Cup, Italy won 10 of its last 14 matches across all competitions.

Score Prediction: Italy 3–0 Türkiye

Projected Lineups

Roberto Mancini may shuffle some players due to the quick turnaround but will likely keep the core intact. Gianluigi Donnarumma is expected to start in goal, with Alessandro Bastoni anchoring the defense after scoring in the last two games. Michael Kayode and Riccardo Calafiori, both playing in the Premier League, should hold fullback roles. Midfield could see Sandro Tonali, Davide Frattesi, and the returning Nicolò Barella together. Up front, Moise Kean will lead the line, flanked by brothers Pio and Sebastiano Esposito.

  • Donnarumma
  • Kayode
  • Mancini
  • Bastoni
  • Calafiori
  • Frattesi
  • Tonali
  • Barella
  • S. Esposito
  • P. Esposito
  • Kean

Without suspended stars Arda Güler and Barış Yılmaz, Montella faces a weakened forward line. Deniz Gül is likely to start upfront, supported by Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Yunus Akgün on the wings. Salih Özcan may return to midfield to bolster the defensive shield.

  • 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: 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

Related News