Italy seeks revival in Turkey under a Klopp-style revolution

Italy, led by Roberto Mancini, is preparing to face Turkey in Bursa after the 0‑2 defeat against Belgium in Rome, and with ten players still in Coverciano while the coach adopts Jürgen Klopp's strategy for the Nations League.

Mancini imitates Klopp's formula

Roberto Mancini has stated that his approach for the Italian national team is inspired by the strategy that Jürgen Klopp has implemented with the German national team. The German coach has allocated 44 players into two squads, a practice that Mancini has decided to replicate. According to Jordi Archs' analysis in International Football, Mancini's tactical revolution seeks to adapt that flexibility to the second Nations League match.

Turkey seeks to reverse its defeat

Turkey, coached by Vincenzo Montella, arrives in Bursa with a lineup that includes Bayindir, Çelik, Demiral and Bardakci in defence, and players such as Aydin, Özcan and Yüksek in midfield. The Turkish side began the Nations League edition with a 0‑1 defeat to France in Kocaeli, which forces them to seek victory against Italy. Arda Güler, from Madrid, will continue as a key piece, while Bayindir, coming from Celta, will replace Ugurcan Çakir, who was sent off on Thursday.

After the 0‑2 defeat to Belgium in Rome, Mancini left ten players in Coverciano: Nicolò Barella, Gianluca Mancini, Samuele Ricci, Daniel Maldini, Diego Coppola, Honest Ahanor, Mohamed Ali Zoma, Samuele Inacio, Eddy Kouadio and Massimo Pessina. These players will remain in Italy to handle the two remaining commitments, including the match against France in Saint‑Denis on Friday. The coach is also preparing several changes to the lineup he will start against Turkey on October 5.

Mancini divides Italy, ten at Coverciano for the Turkey match

In the squad for the clash with Turkey, Mancini has included Gianluigi Donnarumma among the goalkeepers, while Kayode, Scalvini, Bastoni and Calafiori make up the defence. In midfield appear Frattesi, Romano and Tonali, and up front Raspadori, Francesco Pio Esposito and Cambiaghi. The referee appointed for the match will be Michael OIiver from England.

Mancini explained: “It’s a long journey and it didn’t make sense to bring everyone.” He added that he does not expect drastic tactical changes, but that the team must continue working to be competitive. He also questioned why Italy has lost three consecutive World Cups, recalling Totti and Del Piero as examples of successful generations.

Alessandro Bastoni returns to the heart of the defence after serving a suspension for a red card in March, which occurred in Zenica during the playoff final that left Italy out of the 2026 World Cup. His absence in the match against Belgium had been noticeable, but he is now available for the fixture against Turkey.

Mancini: here's why ten Azzurri stay at Coverciano for Turkey

The clash between Italy’s Klopp‑style revolution and Turkey’s need to reverse its initial defeat showcases a battle of strategies that will determine the standings in the Nations League. Both teams will look to cement their ideas before the group’s final commitments.