Italy vs Türkiye Nations League: Preview, Predictions and Lineups

The Azzurri conclude a long international break by welcoming Türkiye on Monday in the UEFA Nations League. After missing the World Cup again and facing turmoil over the summer, Italy brought back Euro 2020-winning coach Roberto Mancini to restore stability. The team’s performances have been mixed since his return but included an impressive 4–1 win over Türkiye and a draw against France.

Türkiye, who participated in last summer’s World Cup, suffered a disappointing early exit from the group stage. Things haven’t improved under coach Vincenzo Montella, with three consecutive Nations League defeats so far.

History Favors Italy in Their 15th Meeting

This match marks the 15th encounter between Italy and Türkiye since their first game in 1962. Italy has never lost to Türkiye, boasting 10 wins and 4 draws. The Azzurri have dominated recent matches, winning three of the last four meetings while scoring at least three goals each time.

Match Outlook and Score Prediction

Italy enters as heavy favorites. Türkiye’s defense has been leaky in the Nations League, conceding eight goals in three games and missing key players like Kenan Yıldız and Hakan Çalhanoğlu. Even young talent Arda Güler from Real Madrid hasn't been able to change their fortunes.

Italy is on the rise with two unbeaten games after the win over Türkiye and a draw with France. They expect to add to their goal tally at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara in Bologna.

• Head-to-head record: Italy remains unbeaten against Türkiye, winning three of the last four encounters and scoring three or more goals in those victories. Türkiye’s best recent result was a draw in Italy in 2024.
• Defensive troubles: Türkiye conceded in all World Cup group matches against Australia, Paraguay, and the U.S., and gave up eight goals across two matches against Spain last year.
• Italy’s form: Although they missed the World Cup, Italy has won 10 of their last 14 matches across competitions.

Prediction: Italy 3–0 Türkiye

Expected Lineups

Italy Predicted XI (4-3-3)

Gianluigi Donnarumma will likely start as goalkeeper. Alessandro Bastoni, who scored in the last two games, will anchor the defense. Michael Kayode and Riccardo Calafiori, both playing in England’s Premier League, should fill the fullback roles. Midfield could see Sandro Tonali, Davide Frattesi, and the returning Nicolò Barella together. Gianluca Mancini might replace Giorgio Scalvini in central defense. Up front, the Esposito brothers, Pio and Sebastiano, alongside Moise Kean are expected to lead the attack.

• Lineup: Donnarumma; Kayode, Mancini, Bastoni, Calafiori; Frattesi, Tonali, Barella; S. Esposito, P. Esposito, Kean.

Türkiye Predicted XI (4-3-3)

Türkiye must make changes due to suspensions for their top player Arda Güler and Barış Yılmaz. Coach Montella may deploy Deniz Gül up front with Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Yunus Akgün supporting him. Salih Özcan might return to midfield to help shield the defense.

• Lineup: 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: 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