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

Italy Faces Türkiye in UEFA Nations League Clash

Italy is set to host Türkiye at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara in Bologna this Monday, closing out an intense international break. The two teams will meet for the 15th time, with Italy still unbeaten in their history against Türkiye, boasting 10 wins and 4 draws since their first meeting in 1962.

The Azzurri, after missing the World Cup and enduring a turbulent summer, welcomed back Roberto Mancini to guide the team forward. Despite some inconsistencies, Italy dominated their recent match against Türkiye with a 4–1 victory before drawing against France. On the other hand, Türkiye had a disappointing World Cup campaign, exiting early and continuing to struggle with three straight defeats in the Nations League.

Match Prediction: Italy Expected to Extend Dominance

Italy is heavily favored to win again in Bologna. Türkiye’s defense has been fragile, conceding eight goals over three Nations League matches and struggling without key players like Kenan Yıldız and Hakan Çalhanoğlu. Even talented youngster Arda Güler couldn't prevent their recent setbacks.

The Italian side looks confident, having remained unbeaten through their last two matches, including a commanding win over Türkiye that saw them take a three-goal lead in the first half. Historically, Italy has scored three or more goals in three of the last four clashes with Türkiye, making a draw the most optimistic outcome for the visitors.

Key Stats and Form

• Head-to-head record: Italy has never lost to Türkiye, winning 10 times and drawing 4.
• Defensive woes: Türkiye conceded goals in all their World Cup matches and let in eight goals against Spain in 2023.
• Italy’s form: The four-time world champions have won 10 of their last 14 games across all competitions.

Score prediction: Italy 3–0 Türkiye

Projected Lineups

• Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
• Defenders: Michael Kayode, Gianluca Mancini, Alessandro Bastoni, Riccardo Calafiori
• Midfielders: Davide Frattesi, Sandro Tonali, Nicolò Barella
• Forwards: Sebastiano Esposito, Pio Esposito, Moise Kean

Manager Roberto Mancini may rotate some players from the squad that faced France but should maintain the core, especially with Bastoni's recent scoring form and the Premier League defenders holding the fullback spots.

• Goalkeeper: Çakır
• Defenders: Çelik, Demiral, Bardakcı, Kadıoğlu
• Midfielders: Elmaz, Salih Özcan, Yüksek
• Forwards: Yunus Akgün, Deniz Gül, Kerem Aktürkoğlu

Coach Vincenzo Montella faces challenges with suspensions sidelining Arda Güler and Barış Yılmaz, forcing changes up front. Deniz Gül is expected to lead the attack, supported by Akgün and Aktürkoğlu, while Özcan returns to midfield for added defensive cover.

Match Details and Broadcast Info

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

Where to Watch

• 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