Turkey and Italy face off in a must-win UEFA Nations League match on September 28, 2026, after both teams suffered defeats in their opening fixtures.
Why it matters: This match is a key opportunity for both sides to secure their first points in the Nations League. With recent struggles, a win could be a turning point for either team.
The match kicks off at 18:45 UK time (2:45 p.m. ET) at Bursa Büyükşehir Belediye Stadium.
Italy and Turkey both lost their opening matches; Italy fell 2-0 to Belgium, and Turkey lost 1-0 to France.
Historically, Italy has dominated this matchup, remaining unbeaten in their last three encounters.
Driving the news: Italy's head coach Roberto Mancini faces pressure after a disappointing start, where the Azzurri were booed off the pitch following their loss to Belgium. Meanwhile, Turkey's Vincenzo Montella is also under scrutiny after a narrow defeat against France.
Italy's recent performance includes a string of poor results, placing them 15th in FIFA rankings after missing their third consecutive World Cup.
Turkey's recent form has been inconsistent, with three losses in their last four matches, including a World Cup exit.
Both teams are eager to bounce back, making this clash even more intense.
State of play: Italy made eight changes to their lineup, including debuts for Matteo Ruggeri and Michael Kayode. They aim to stabilize their squad after several players were ruled out due to injuries.
Key players missing for Italy include Nicolò Zaniolo and several others due to fitness concerns, limiting Mancini's options.
Turkey is missing stars like Kenan Yildiz and Hakan Calhanoglu, but they have no new injury concerns.
Turkey’s goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir is suspended, replaced by Altay Bayindir.
The big picture: Both teams have a lot at stake, especially with the pressure of securing points early in the Nations League. A win could provide the momentum needed for the rest of the tournament.
Italy's previous encounters with Turkey include a 3-0 victory at Euro 2020 and a tight 3-2 win in a friendly in 2022.
Turkey's last match against Italy ended in a goalless draw in June 2024, showing they can compete.
The Azzurri's historical edge in this matchup adds psychological pressure on Turkey.
What they're saying: Analysts predict a cautious match as both teams look to avoid another defeat. The crowd in Bursa is expected to play a role in supporting Turkey.
Experts suggest that Italy's strong head-to-head record gives them an advantage, but Turkey's home crowd could be a decisive factor.
"Turkey needs to capitalize on their home advantage to secure a win," said a sports analyst.
Predictions lean toward a tight match, with many expecting a low-scoring affair.
By the numbers: The statistics reveal both teams' struggles in their recent games.
Italy has won seven of their last ten matches leading up to this fixture, though they faced a setback against Belgium.
Turkey has experienced mixed results, winning six of their last ten international matches across competitions.
In their last three encounters, Italy has scored six goals against Turkey's two.
What's next: A victory for either team could set the tone for their Nations League campaigns moving forward.
Following this match, Turkey will look to build momentum against other teams in the group, aiming for a stronger performance.
Italy hopes to regroup and recover from their slow start, with upcoming fixtures that could shape their tournament fate.
Fans can watch the match live on Fubo and ViX streaming platforms.