Italy vs Türkiye: Winless visitors chase first points as Arda Guler, Baris Alper sit out

Türkiye will look to halt a three-match losing run in UEFA Nations League League A when they take on Italy in Bologna on Monday, with Vincenzo Montella's side still searching for both their first point of the campaign and their first victory over Italy in national team history.

The Group 1 match will kick off at 9:45 p.m. local time at Renato Dall'Ara Stadium and will be refereed by Poland's Szymon Marciniak.

Türkiye have lost all three of their matches so far, going down 1-0 to France in Kocaeli, 4-1 to Italy in Bursa and 3-0 away against Belgium.

Italy, meanwhile, beat Türkiye in Bursa but later lost 2-0 at home to Belgium and drew 1-1 away against France.

Can Uzun (L) of Türkiye in action against Giacomo Raspadori (10) of Italy during the UEFA Nations League A Group 1 match between Türkiye and Italy at Yuzuncu Yil Ataturk Stadium in Bursa, Türkiye on September 28, 2026. (AA Photo)

Key suspensions force Türkiye to reshape attack

Türkiye will have to make changes after Arda Guler and Baris Alper Yilmaz were ruled out through suspension.

Both players picked up cards in the defeat to Belgium that left them unavailable for the Italy trip.

The expected Türkiye lineup features Ugurcan in goal, with Zeki, Ozan, Abdulkerim and Ferdi in defence. Salih and Ismail are expected in midfield, while Yunus, Oguz and Kerem could line up behind Deniz.

Italy are expected to start with Donnarumma, Kayode, Mancini, Bastoni, Ruggeri, Barella, Tonali, Fagioli, Vergara, S. Esposito and F. Esposito.

Francesco Pio Esposito (7) of Italy celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Nations League A Group 1 match between Türkiye and Italy at Yuzuncu Yil Ataturk Stadium in Bursa, Türkiye on September 28, 2026. (AA Photo)

Türkiye still waiting for first win over Italy

Monday's game will be the 18th meeting between the two countries, including three matches involving Türkiye's former B national team.

Türkiye have yet to beat Italy, recording five draws and 12 defeats in their previous 17 meetings.

The most recent encounter came only last week, when Italy ran out 4-1 winners in Bursa.

Türkiye's heaviest defeat against Italy came in Bologna in 1962, when the hosts won 6-0 in a European Championship qualifier.

Head coach Vincenzo Montella of the Türkiye national football team follows the UEFA Nations League A Group 1 match between Türkiye and Italy at Yuzuncu Yil Ataturk Stadium in Bursa, Türkiye on September 28, 2026. (AA Photo)

Montella reaches 40-match mark against home country

The match will also mark Vincenzo Montella's 40th game in charge of Türkiye.

Under the Italian coach, Türkiye have played 39 matches, including 30 competitive fixtures and nine friendlies, recording 21 wins, five draws and 13 defeats.

Türkiye have scored 65 goals and conceded 54 during that period.

After the Italy match, Türkiye will wrap up their group campaign in November with an away fixture against France before hosting Belgium in Izmir.

October 05, 2026 02:02 PM GMT+03:00