Turkey vs Italy preview for the 2026 Nations League game

Turkey and Italy head into a UEFA Nations League meeting with a shared imperative: win for the first time in recent games as coaches strive to reset momentum.

Team news and absences

Turkey are hampered by several key players being unavailable. Midfielders Hakan Calhanoglu and Kenan Yildiz — both plying their trade in Italy — are unavailable for selection. Additionally, goalkeeper Ugurkan Cakir is suspended following his red card against France.

Italy have welcomed Alex Bastoni back from suspension, strengthening the defensive unit, but injuries to Manuel Locatelli and Bryan Cristante leave the squad short in midfield options.

Expected line-ups

Turkey: Cakir; Celik, Demiral, Bardakci; Aydin, Ozcan, Yuksek, Kadioglu; Guler, Akturkoglu; Yilmaz

Italy: Donnarumma; Kayode, Mancini, Bastoni, Calafiori; Barella, Tonali, Frattesi; Cambiaghi, P. Esposito, Raspadori

Where to watch and broadcast details

In the United Kingdom, the match will be shown on Amazon Prime Pay Per View for £2.49. Fans outside the UK should check local broadcasters and federation channels for coverage details.

Context and form

Both nations have struggled for consistency in recent fixtures. Italy’s return to action under Mancini began with a defeat to Belgium, while Turkey were beaten 1-0 by France. The preview suggests that, with several notable players missing for both sides, a low-scoring draw could be a plausible outcome.

Recent Turkey results cited include a 0-1 loss to France in the Nations League on 25 September 2026, along with World Cup and friendly results from June 2026. These varying results underscore why both managers view this fixture as an opportunity to arrest their dip in form.

Why this match matters

Early Nations League fixtures carry weight for team momentum and group standings. A win would lift either nation off the bottom of the group and provide breathing room ahead of November fixtures. For Mancini, a solid result would ease pressure during his second spell in charge; for Montella, victory would serve as a timely morale boost and validate his selection despite several absences.

What happens next

Expect both coaches to balance caution with the need for a result. The likely line-ups indicate Italy could keep a familiar spine, while Turkey may look to leverage home advantage and their collective spirit under Montella. Key midfield battles—Barella and Tonali for Italy, and Ozcan and Yuksek for Turkey—could determine control and, ultimately, the outcome.

After the final whistle, attention will turn to the remaining Nations League group fixtures, with squad availability and injuries potentially shaping selections for upcoming windows.

For official competition information and schedules, readers can consult UEFA’s Nations League pages.