Vincenzo Montella said Turkiye are adapting to “a new level” of international football after a 3-1 defeat by Italy left them without a point from their four Nations League matches.
Turkiye produced another strong performance, enjoying plenty of possession and testing Gianluigi Donnarumma several times. Aral Simsir’s equaliser cancelled out Gianluca Scamacca’s opener, but Italy secured victory through Riccardo Calafiori’s set-piece goal and a close-range finish from Pio Esposito.
“I don’t know if frustration is the right word for it, but we certainly played well,” Montella told RAI Sport.
“We played on level terms, and perhaps even did a little more than Italy. We conceded three goals on incidents, it’s not the first time that has happened.
“As a coach, I am satisfied with the attitude and character of these lads. The only thing I can reproach them for is not making the right decision with the final ball, or not closing off the runs inside the area, but this is football, it comes down to details at this level.”
Montella was already under pressure before the match after Turkiye went out early at the 2026 World Cup and lost their opening four Nations League fixtures. The result leaves them facing relegation back to Nations League B.
However, the Italian has overseen Turkiye’s first World Cup qualification in 24 years and led them to promotion to Nations League A.
“It’s not that things aren’t working, this is simply a new level for us,” he said.
“Football can be very simple at times, you are missing important players who change the level of the team. We decided to carry on the process and it’s important for qualification in the Euros too.”
Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz and Inter midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu were unavailable for all four Nations League games because of injury. Turkiye were also without suspended Baris Alper Yilmaz and Real Madrid player Arda Guler in Bologna.
Montella also highlighted the difference in experience between the two squads. Turkiye used young players with limited senior and club experience, while Italy were able to bring on Calafiori, Esposito and Sandro Tonali.
“If I look at the substitutions Italy made, they introduced Calafiori, Esposito and Sandro Tonali, that’s about €350m in transfer fees,” Montella said.
“In that sense, nobody can be blamed, let alone those players who held out for long periods both tactically and technically against a high level opponent.”
He added that Turkiye’s main weakness had been their inability to convert opportunities, while praising Italy’s development under Roberto Mancini.
“Italy is going down a certain path, they have very interesting young players, and I also saw some of their Under-21 team playing earlier today,” said Montella.
“They might not have the big star names of the past, but this is a highly-competitive squad, led by a very smart, experienced and balanced coach in Roberto Mancini.”
