Turkey sack coach Montella after Nations League defeats

Vincenzo Montella was sacked as head coach of Turkey on Friday following a string of Nations League defeats.

“It has been decided not to continue with our head coach,” the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) said on X.

Turkey have lost all four of their Nations League matches against France, Belgium and twice to Italy.

Appointed in September 2023, the former Italy international enjoyed some early success as he guided Turkey to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, where they were beaten 2-1 by the Netherlands.

However despite boasting stars including Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu, Real Madrid’s Arda Guler and forward Kenan Yildiz of Juventus, the team’s results have deteriorated in recent months.

Turkey were the first country to be eliminated from this summer’s World Cup despite beating co-hosts the United States in their final group match.

Turkey next host Belgium in the Nations League on Nov 12 before heading to France three days later.

Montella, 52, previously coached Italian teams Fiorentina, Sampdoria and AC Milan, and Spanish club Sevilla.