Italy will look to build on a 4-1 away victory when they face Turkey in the fourth round of the Nations League on Monday, 5 October 2026, with the visitors aiming to end the Italians’ historic dominance in the fixture.
Roberto Mancini is expected to select an attacking and energetic Italy side, with Gianluigi Donnarumma continuing as the undisputed first choice in goal.
Michael Kayode is set to be rewarded with another start after scoring on his international debut. He is likely to line up in a back four alongside Matteo Ruggeri, Alessandro Bastoni and Giorgio Scalvini.
Sandro Tonali and Davide Frattesi are expected to provide the pace and intensity in midfield, with Nicolo Fagioli completing the central trio.
Up front, the Esposito brothers, Sebastiano and Francesco Pio Esposito, could start alongside Moise Kean. The combination is intended to give Italy greater speed and finishing ability against a Turkey defence considered vulnerable.
Italy will be without several players. Nicolo Zaniolo left the squad at the start of the international break because of a muscle injury. Federico Dimarco, who has a knee problem, and Bryan Cristante, suffering from a back injury, were also ruled out and replaced. Giacomo Raspadori is unavailable after injuring his right thigh during the first meeting with Turkey.
Italy’s probable XI
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
Defenders: Matteo Ruggeri, Alessandro Bastoni, Giorgio Scalvini, Michael Kayode
Midfielders: Nicolo Fagioli, Sandro Tonali, Davide Frattesi
Forwards: Sebastiano Esposito, Francesco Pio Esposito, Moise Kean
Turkey face further selection problems after suspensions for Arda Guler and Barıs Alper Yılmaz. Their absences come alongside injuries to Hakan Calhanoglu, Can Uzun and Kenan Yıldız.
Vincenzo Montella is expected to retain a back-three formation in an attempt to give his side greater defensive stability. Deniz Gul is tipped to lead the attack, while Altay Bayındır is likely to start in goal.
The expected defensive trio is Zeki Celik, Merih Demiral and Abdulkerim Bardakcı. Ferdi Kadıoglu, Salih Ozcan, Ismail Yuksek and Oguz Aydın are set to form the midfield, with Yunus Akgun and Kerem Akturkoglu supporting Deniz Gul.
Turkey’s probable XI
Goalkeeper: Altay Bayındır
Defenders: Zeki Celik, Merih Demiral, Abdulkerim Bardakcı
Midfielders: Ferdi Kadıoglu, Salih Ozcan, Ismail Yuksek, Oguz Aydın
Forwards: Yunus Akgun, Kerem Akturkoglu, Deniz Gul
The pre-match odds listed by 1xbet price an Italy win at 1.37, with a draw at 4.70 and a Turkey victory at 5.90.
