Vincenzo Montella Predicts Kenan Yildiz Will Become a Global Football Star Despite Injury Setback

Turkey's head coach Vincenzo Montella spoke about the challenges of missing key players Hakan Calhanoglu and Kenan Yildiz due to injury as his team prepares for crucial Nations League games. Montella also praised Yildiz’s rising talent while getting ready to face Italy, led by his former teammate Roberto Mancini.

Impact of Losing Calhanoglu and Yildiz

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Montella admitted that not having these important playmakers available is a big tactical challenge. Along with defender Mert Muldur, both Calhanoglu and Yildiz remain sidelined, forcing younger players into intense competition earlier than expected.

"Without Calhanoglu and Yildiz, it’s not the same Turkey," Montella said. "Initially, Muldur will also be missing. It will be a test for the new players, although with four matches, everything inevitably becomes more difficult."

Montella's High Praise for Juventus Starlet Yildiz

Despite Yildiz's absence, Montella highlighted the 21-year-old Juventus attacker’s exceptional technical skill and versatility. He compared Yildiz’s style to that of Italian great Alessandro Del Piero and predicted he will soon join football’s elite.

"Kenan Yildiz will become one of the world’s top players," Montella said. "Even when Ale started, comparisons with Baggio were rife. He has the talent; he has the potential of a great player. Perhaps today Kenan isn’t a classic number 10, but at that age, you transform, and you can play as a number 10 even starting from the wing and cutting inside."

Facing Italy Brings Personal Emotions for Montella

Looking ahead to Turkey’s back-to-back games against Italy, Montella expressed strong feelings about facing his native country. The matches will see him up against Roberto Mancini, who Montella regards as the perfect leader to guide Italy's resurgence after recent struggles.

"I would have liked to face all of them, but not Italy, let alone twice in a few days. I’ll be very emotional, I know," Montella shared. "I played with Mancini at Samp; there’s esteem, respect, and affection. I believe in him; he has the experience and knowledge to bring Italy back to the top. He’s the right person."

Turkey's Approach Against Europe’s Top Teams

Turkey will kick off their Nations League Group A1 campaign against France before meeting Italy. Montella emphasized that despite missing stars, the team must stay disciplined tactically to compete with Europe's best.

"France has a quality and a pool of players that is unmatched by others," Montella concluded. "They have renewed enthusiasm with Zidane, but it won’t be easy for them either. As for the two matches against Italy, I hope they will be very balanced."

• UEFA Nations League A Match: Turkey vs France, 25 Sept 2026, 21:45
• UEFA Nations League A Match: Turkey vs Italy, 28 Sept 2026, 21:45