Mancini looks to make changes against Montella, the coach's last resort

The lights of the UEFA Nations League are switched on at the historic Renato Dall'Ara pitch, where tomorrow evening Italy under Roberto Mancini will host Turkey under Vincenzo Montella in a decisive match for qualification to the quarter‑finals.

Mancini's tactical choices

The Azzurri, reinvigorated by the 1‑1 draw achieved in Paris against France, are seeking victory to secure progression to the next stage. Mancini does not want to hold back energy, but intends to strike directly at the most important target. In front of Gianluigi Donnarumma, the defence should regain the solidity of Alessandro Bastoni and Giorgio Scalvini, flanked on the sides by Michael Kayode and Matteo Ruggeri.

In midfield the duel between Davide Frattesi and Nicolò Barella reignites as they aim to support Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Fagioli. In attack, the most awaited novelty is Gianluca Scamacca, who wants to earn a starting shirt from the first minute in place of Pio Esposito; on the right Davide Cambiaghi or Lorenzo Vergara may appear, while on the left Moise Kean is still expected.

For his part, Montella faces a night of extreme pressure. After the heavy 3‑0 loss to Belgium, the Bologna match is described as the last chance to defend his own bench. The absence of Hakan Çalhanoğlu, the Inter player, weakens Turkey, which will have to rely on the talent of Arda Güler from Real Madrid and the unpredictability of Barış Alper Yılmaz.

Montella under pressure as Italy face Turkey

The memory of the 4‑1 defeat suffered by the Azzurri in the first‑leg match in Bursa adds further tension, but Mancini's side hopes to overturn the result. The Turkish team aims to redeem the loss with more incisive play and to exploit the opportunities created by the absence of the playmaker.

The match will be broadcast free‑to‑air on Rai 1, kicking off at 20:45 on Monday 5 October, and will be available for free streaming on RaiPlay for all devices. Viewers will also be able to follow the pre‑match links from the pitch and the hot‑off‑the‑press interviews after the game.

Italy Azzurri ready for France and Belgium in November: schedule, camp

With three points at stake, the match represents a crucial crossroads for qualification: the Azzurri aim to consolidate their position, while Montella seeks to save his role as coach.