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Italy Hosts Türkiye in Nations League Clash: Preview and Lineups

Italy wraps up a lengthy international break by hosting Türkiye at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara in Bologna on Monday. The two teams meet for the 15th time, with Italy remaining unbeaten against Türkiye, holding ten wins and four draws since their first encounter in 1962.

Following a disappointing World Cup absence and a chaotic summer, Italy brought back Roberto Mancini to stabilize the squad. Their recent form under Mancini has shown signs of improvement, including a dominant 4–1 victory over Türkiye last week and a draw against France.

Türkiye, meanwhile, endured a poor World Cup campaign and continues to struggle in the Nations League with three straight losses. Manager Vincenzo Montella faces mounting pressure after these results.

Match Prediction: Italy to Extend Dominance

Italy enters this match as the strong favorite. Türkiye’s defense has been leaky, conceding eight goals in three Nations League matches and struggling without key players Kenan Yıldız and Hakan Çalhanoğlu. Even promising talents like Arda Güler have not been able to turn things around.

Italy has won three of their last four meetings with Türkiye, scoring three or more goals in those victories. The visitors' best chance seems to be a draw, which they managed during a 2024 visit to Italy.

  • Head-to-head: Italy is unbeaten with 10 wins and 4 draws against Türkiye.
  • Defensive woes: Türkiye conceded goals in all World Cup group matches and let in eight across two matches versus Spain last year.
  • Italy’s form: Despite missing the World Cup, Italy has won 10 of its last 14 matches across competitions.

Score prediction: Italy 3–0 Türkiye

Projected Italy Lineup (4-3-3)

  • Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
  • Defenders: Michael Kayode, Gianluca Mancini, Alessandro Bastoni, Riccardo Calafiori
  • Midfielders: Davide Frattesi, Sandro Tonali, Nicolò Barella
  • Forwards: Sebastiano Esposito, Pio Esposito, Moise Kean

Mancini may rotate some players due to the tight schedule but is expected to keep the core intact. Bastoni, who scored in the last two games, will anchor the defense alongside Mancini.

Predicted Türkiye Lineup (4-3-3)

  • Goalkeeper: Çakir
  • Defenders: Çelik, Demiral, Bardakcı, Kadıoğlu
  • Midfielders: Elmaz, Salih Özcan, Yüksek
  • Forwards: Yunus Akgün, Deniz Gül, Kerem Aktürkoğlu

Türkiye faces suspensions that will weaken their attack; star player Arda Güler and Barış Yılmaz are both out. Deniz Gül is likely to start up front, supported by Aktürkoğlu and Akgün. Salih Özcan might return to add stability in midfield.

Match Details

  • Date: Monday, October 5
  • Venue: Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, Bologna, Italy
  • Kick-off Time: 2:45 p.m. ET / 11:45 a.m. PT / 7:45 p.m. BST
  • Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
  • VAR Official: Piotr Lasyk (Poland)

Where to Watch

  • 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

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