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

Italy hosts Türkiye in the UEFA Nations League, wrapping up a long international break. The Azzurri, after missing out on another World Cup, brought back Roberto Mancini to regain stability. Their return hasn’t been flawless, but they did dominate Türkiye with a 4–1 win recently and followed that with a draw against France.

Türkiye, meanwhile, had a disappointing World Cup last summer, exiting early after a poor group stage. Since then, under Vincenzo Montella, they have lost three straight Nations League matches.

This match marks the 15th time these teams meet internationally. Italy has never lost against Türkiye, holding 10 wins and 4 draws dating back to their first meeting in 1962.

Match Prediction: Italy Expected to Extend Dominance

Italy is the clear favorite for this game in Bologna. Türkiye’s Nations League form has been poor, conceding eight goals in three games and missing key players like Kenan Yıldız and Hakan Çalhanoğlu. Even promising talent Arda Güler hasn’t been able to change their fortunes.

The Azzurri are on an upward trajectory, unbeaten in two matches following their convincing win over Türkiye. They raced to a three-goal lead in the first half last time and look set to score again at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.

• Head-to-head: Italy remains unbeaten versus Türkiye, winning three of the last four encounters with at least three goals scored in each. Türkiye’s best chance might be a draw, which they achieved in Italy earlier this year.
• Defensive struggles: Türkiye conceded in every World Cup match last summer and have been vulnerable against top European sides, including shipping eight goals across two matches versus Spain last year.
• Italy’s form: Despite missing the World Cup, Italy has won 10 of its last 14 matches across competitions.

Prediction: Italy 3–0 Türkiye

Projected Italy Lineup Against Türkiye

Mancini may rotate the squad slightly due to the quick match turnaround but will likely keep the core intact. Gianluigi Donnarumma is expected in goal, with Alessandro Bastoni anchoring defense after scoring in his last two appearances. Fullbacks Michael Kayode and Riccardo Calafiori, both playing in the Premier League, should start.

Midfield could see Sandro Tonali, Davide Frattesi, and the returning Nicolò Barella working together. Gianluca Mancini might replace Giorgio Scalvini in defense. Up front, the Esposito brothers, Pio and Sebastiano, are set to join Moise Kean in attack.

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

Türkiye's Likely Lineup vs. Italy

Türkiye faces challenges with key absences. Suspensions rule out star player Arda Güler and Barış Yılmaz. Montella will need to adjust his attack, bringing in Deniz Gül, potentially supported by Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Yunus Akgün.

Salih Özcan might return to midfield to shore up the defense.

• Formation (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