Turkey and Italy both have the chance to bounce back from opening UEFA Nations League defeats when they battle it out in their second Group game on Monday night.
Turkey lost 1-0 to France, while Italy suffered a 2-0 defeat to Belgium, leaving both sides pointless ahead of this crucial test.
The match is also an intriguing meeting between two teams undergoing significant changes. Vincenzo Montella continues to lead Türkiye, while Roberto Mancini has returned as Italy coach.
With France and Belgium already on three points, another defeat for either Türkiye or Italy would leave that team facing a significant early deficit.
Will either of these nations bounce back to get their first three points of the campaign? Here is our predicted outcome for the match.
What time does Turkey vs Italy start?
The match kicks off at 9:45PM E.A.T at the Atatürk Spor Kompleksi
ALSO READ: Belgium vs France Nations League prediction: Match preview, team news, key stats & h2h
Turkey vs Italy team news
There aren’t any changes expected by the home team from the side that lost against France, with Arda Guler remaining an integral part of their attack.
Baris Yilmaz and Can Uzun are both available and will start in the attack as well.
The Azzurri are also expected to make several changes after the disappointing performance against Belgium.
One significant return is Alessandro Bastoni, who missed the Belgium match through suspension.
Italian media also report that Michael Kayode could come into the starting XI, while Giorgio Scalvini, Davide Frattesi and Daniel Maldini are among those pushing for starting places.
Turkey vs Italy head-to-head and current form
The hosts have not managed to beat Italy in all of the matches played against them. The most recent outing between them resulted in a barren draw.
Current form:
Turkey – LWLLW
Italy – LWWLW
Turkey vs Italy previous games
- Italy 0-0 Turkey (June 4, 2024)
- Turkey 2-3 Italy (March 29, 2022)
- Turkey 0-3 Italy (June 11, 2021)
- Italy 0-0 Turkey (November 15, 2006)
- Italy 1-1 Turkey (November 20, 2002)
Turkey vs Italy prediction
Both sides conceded in their opening matches and their defensive vulnerabilities could be exploited here as well.
Despite having home advantage, Turkey have never beaten Italy and this could play a major role here. Italy have been unconvincing in the recent past and that leaves them at risk for a potential historic defeat.
Prediction – Turkey to win or draw (1X) – PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME HERE!