Italy Clash With Türkiye in Nations League Showdown: Key Predictions, Tactics, and Starting Lineups Revealed

Italy wraps up a lengthy three-week international break by welcoming Türkiye to the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara in the UEFA Nations League on Monday.

Following yet another World Cup absence and a turbulent summer period, the Azzurri turned once again to Euro 2020 title-winning coach Roberto Mancini in an effort to restore stability. While results haven't been flawless since the 61-year-old's comeback, they did demolish Türkiye 4–1 to shake off a loss to Belgium, before securing a draw away at France.

Türkiye did participate in last summer's World Cup, but their tournament amounted to little after a poor group stage showing led to an early elimination. Matters haven't gotten much better for embattled manager Vincenzo Montella since, with the side suffering three consecutive defeats in the Nations League.

Monday's clash will mark the 15th meeting between Italy and Türkiye at international level, and it is the Italians who have thoroughly dominated the rivalry—stretching back to their very first encounter in 1962. The Azzurri have never tasted defeat in this fixture, boasting 10 victories and four draws from their previous meetings.

Italy vs. Türkiye Score Prediction

Italy Piles More Misery on Visitors

Italy may not need to be at their sharpest to claim victory in Bologna. Türkiye has been woeful in the Nations League, losing three games in a row and shipping eight goals while struggling in the absence of key players Kenan Yıldız and Hakan Çalhanoğlu. Even Real Madrid talent Arda Güler has been unable to rescue the situation.

The Azzurri, meanwhile, are building momentum after going two games without defeat, a run that began with an emphatic victory over Türkiye. Italy overwhelmed their opponents by storming into a three-goal lead before halftime, and they will be looking to add more goals at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara.

Prediction: Italy 3–0 Türkiye

Italy Predicted Lineup vs. Türkiye

Mancini may opt for a number of changes from the side that drew with France, particularly given the short turnaround between matches. That said, the backbone of the team is expected to remain in place.

Gianluigi Donnarumma is set to retain his spot in goal, while Alessandro Bastoni will anchor the center of defense having found the net in each of the last two outings. The Premier League duo of Michael Kayode and Riccardo Calafiori are expected to fill the fullback roles.

Sandro Tonali and Davide Frattesi could be joined by a returning Nicolò Barella in the midfield, while Gianluca Mancini may come in for Giorgio Scalvini at the back.

The Esposito siblings, Pio and Sebastiano, are expected to line up alongside Moise Kean in the forward line once again.

Italy predicted lineup vs. Türkiye (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Kayode, Mancini, Bastoni, Calafiori; Frattesi, Tonali, Barella; S. Esposito, P. Esposito, Kean.

Türkiye Predicted Lineup vs. Italy

Türkiye must show considerable improvement from recent outings, but Montella will be deprived of his most impactful player, Güler, who is suspended. The Real Madrid star received his second Nations League yellow card during the defeat to Belgium in their last fixture.

Barış Yılmaz is also serving a suspension, leaving Montella with a notably depleted attacking unit. Deniz Gül is expected to step into the starting lineup up front, potentially flanked by Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Yunus Akgün.

Salih Özcan could be recalled to midfield to offer Türkiye's backline additional cover.

Türkiye predicted lineup vs. Italy (4-3-3): Çakır; Çelik, Demiral, Bardakcı, Kadıoğlu; Elmaz, Özcan, Yüksek; Akgün, Gül, Aktürkoğlu.

What Time Does Italy vs. Türkiye Kick Off?

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