Montella: ‘Turkiye incredible against France, same mentality with Italy’

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 25: Vincenzo Montella, Head Coach of Turkiye, looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between Türkiye and USA at Los Angeles Stadium on June 25, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Vincenzo Montella saw an ‘incredible performance’ from Turkiye in the 1-0 defeat to France, and wants to see the same ‘spirit’ when they play Italy on Monday in the Nations League.

That will be a real head-to-head to get off the foot of the group, considering both of them lost the opening fixtures.

The Azzurri are currently rock bottom, having lost 2-0 to Belgium at home, so are trailing on goal difference.

Montella proud of Turkiye performance

“I am proud, it’s a shame we were unable to leave the field with a positive result,” Montella told Sky Sport Italia after Turkiye lost 1-0 to France.

The only goal of the game was scored by Kylian Mbappé on a Michael Olise assist, and the Real Madrid striker later went off with a knee injury.

“It was an incredible performance, one of our best, especially considering who we were up against. We knew that you cannot afford even half a mistake against sides like this, but I thought we had our chances too and it was a very even game,” added Montella.

Although France had more possession, the statistics were largely similar, with 12 attempts on goal each and three saves apiece.

“I saw a great team spirit and that is something we need to carry with us into the next matches. It won’t be easy to recover physically and mentally so quickly, so we need that spirit first and foremost.

“I feel sorry for my lads, because they really did give it their all today.”

Urugcan Cakir was sent off in the final minutes and will therefore be suspended when Turkiye host Italy on Monday evening at the Ataturk Spor Kompleski Matli Stadyumu in Bursa.