Montella: ‘A new level for Turkiye, we played a little better than Italy’

BOLOGNA - OCTOBER 05: Vincenzo Montella, Head Coach of Turkiye, looks on before the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Italy and Türkiye at Renato Dall'Ara Stadium on October 05, 2026 in Bologna. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Vincenzo Montella warns Turkiye are doing the best they can at ‘a new level’ in the Nations League after a 3-1 defeat to Italy. ‘They introduced €350m worth of players off the bench.’

It was again a very good overall performance from Turkiye, with plenty of possession, forcing a couple of Gianluigi Donnarumma saves, and Aral Simsir scoring a more than deserved equaliser from the Gianluca Scamacca opener.

However, substitutes Riccardo Calafiori on a set play and Pio Esposito’s tap-in secured the 3-1 Italy victory, leaving the Turkish team on zero after four games.

Montella recognises Turkiye level

“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.

“I am certain that the players will gain a great deal of experience from these matches, because you concede at the slightest error, and that decides the result. Many times, the result also decides the way the performance is evaluated.”

Montella was already facing calls for his dismissal before this match, having gone out early in the 2026 World Cup, and lost all four Nations League games.

However, it’s worth noting that Montella took Turkiye to their first World Cup qualification in 24 years, and also earned promotion to Nations League A.

“It’s not that things aren’t working, this is simply a new level for us,” he insisted.

“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.”

Kenan Yildiz of Juventus and Inter midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu were injured for all four Nations League games, while in Bologna they also missed suspended Baris Alper Yilmaz and Real Madrid talent Arda Guler.

“We introduced young players who don’t have a lot of experience, including at club level, because we are looking to the future. If I look at the substitutions Italy made, they introduced Calafiori, Esposito and Sandro Tonali, that’s about €350m in transfer fees.

“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.”

Montella is staring down relegation back to Nations League B, and the biggest problem is their struggle to finish chances.

“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.

“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.”