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Besiktas coach Vincenzo Italiano said his team is determined to carry on in European competition as the Istanbul club prepares to host Danish side Midtjylland in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round.
The match at Tupras Stadium will mark Italiano's first official appearance in charge of Besiktas and the club's 259th fixture in European competitions. It will also be the first time Besiktas has faced a team from Denmark.
Speaking before the game, Italiano acknowledged that the squad had only recently begun working together at full strength because several players returned late from international duty. However, he said the team was ready to put their preparations into practice against a physically strong and well-organized opponent.
Italiano described European football as both exciting and demanding, noting that continental matches often bring out the most competitive side of the game.
"Which competition it will be, I do not know, but in every case we want to continue in Europe," Italiano said.
Although he underlined the importance of the domestic league, Italiano made clear that Besiktas' immediate focus was on beating Midtjylland and taking an advantage into the return match.
The Italian coach also highlighted the importance of meeting the Besiktas supporters for the first time in a competitive fixture. He said the atmosphere at Tupras Stadium could help push the team forward, while reminding fans that the match would be only the beginning of a season in which the squad still had plenty to work on.
"My staff and I are very excited because tomorrow we will play our first official match. We will play our first game in a beautiful stadium and in a very special atmosphere," he said.
Italiano said Besiktas had mainly worked with a four-player defensive line during their preseason preparations, while trying out different arrangements in midfield depending on the opposition.
He explained that the broader goal was to build up a recognizable playing identity rather than rely on a single formation in every match.
"We want to create a Besiktas identity. We want to build a team that knows what it is doing on the field," Italiano said.
The coach added that tactical flexibility would remain important because every opponent required a different approach. Against Midtjylland, Besiktas will come up against a team Italiano described as physically prepared, capable of pressing effectively and comfortable playing under pressure.
Italiano stressed that no European match could be won on paper, adding that his staff had studied Midtjylland closely despite having only a limited period with the complete squad.
Among the younger players involved in the preparations, Italiano singled out Ilhan Fakili as one of the most impressive performers.
The coach said Fakili had surprised him with his quality and composure, particularly after scoring two important goals during the preseason schedule.
According to Italiano, the young player had shown that he could remain calm and finish effectively in front of goal. However, he added that Fakili still needed to improve his off-the-ball work and become more aggressive in his overall play.
Italiano said several young players could continue training with the senior squad and described Fakili as a player capable of making a significant contribution in the future.
Besiktas captain Orkun Kokcu said the squad had fully taken on board Italiano's instructions and were ready for the opening match.
Kokcu explained that he had enjoyed a longer preparation period with the team than in the previous season, giving him more time to settle in and understand the coach's demands.
He also said he had developed a good understanding with new signing Salih Ozcan in midfield, while emphasizing that the main priority was securing a positive result.
"Everyone is 100% ready. The important thing is to get a good result tomorrow," Kokcu said.
The captain added that Italiano wanted him to contribute in both attacking and defensive phases. Kokcu said he hoped to carry on producing goals and assists while also taking responsibility as the team's captain.
Besiktas has played 258 European matches since beginning their continental journey in 1959, recording 97 victories, 50 draws and 111 defeats.
The club has reached the quarterfinals of European competitions three times, most recently in the 2016-17 UEFA Europa League, when they were knocked out by Lyon following a penalty shootout.
The Midtjylland match will be Besiktas' 134th appearance in the UEFA Cup or UEFA Europa League and their first European meeting with Danish opposition.
Besiktas completed its final training session under Italiano at the BJK Nevzat Demir Training Facilities. Wilfred Ndidi, who remains under treatment, and Leandro Trossard, who was granted leave, did not take part.
The match will kick off at Tupras Stadium at 9 p.m. on Thursday.
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