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Italy vs. Türkiye: UEFA Nations League Preview, Predictions, and Lineups

Italy wraps up an extended international break by welcoming Türkiye to Bologna on Monday for a UEFA Nations League fixture. The Azzurri, under the guidance of Roberto Mancini who returned after a tough summer, showed signs of revival with a strong 4–1 victory over Türkiye last week, followed by a draw against France.

Türkiye, present at last summer’s World Cup, had a disappointing group stage and have struggled since then, losing three consecutive matches in the Nations League under Vincenzo Montella's management.

Head-to-Head Record Favors Italy

This will be the 15th meeting between Italy and Türkiye on the international stage. Italy remains unbeaten against Türkiye, boasting 10 wins and 4 draws dating back to their first encounter in 1962. Their dominance is clear, having won three of the last four meetings, scoring three or more goals in each of those victories.

Match Prediction: Italy Expected to Extend Dominance

Italy enters the match as heavy favorites. Türkiye has conceded eight goals across their three Nations League games and has faced defensive issues beyond this competition, letting in goals during all their World Cup matches and suffering heavy defeats against teams like Spain last year.

The Italian squad, despite missing out on the World Cup, has maintained decent form, winning 10 of their last 14 games across all competitions.

  • Prediction: Italy 3–0 Türkiye

Projected Lineups

  • 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 tweak the lineup from the France game but is expected to keep the core intact, with Bastoni coming off two recent goals and the Esposito brothers partnering Kean upfront.

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

Türkiye faces challenges with suspensions sidelining Arda Güler and Barış Yılmaz, forcing Montella to adjust his attack. Deniz Gül is expected to lead the frontline supported by Akgün and Aktürkoğlu, while Özcan returns to bolster midfield defense.

Match Details and Broadcast Information

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