Montella blindsided by furious Turkish fans after Italy thrashing

Francesco Pio Esposito's fourth‑minute strike sealed Italy's 4‑1 victory over Türkiye at the Atatürk Spor Kompleksi Matli Stadyumu in Bursa on 28 September 2026, prompting an angry reaction from Turkish fans that head coach Vincenzo Montella said he did not anticipate.

Pre‑match criticism mounts

Montella had already been under fire after Türkiye’s group‑stage exit from the 2026 World Cup and a 1‑0 Nations League home loss to France. The disappointment amplified scrutiny on the Italian tactician’s methods. Critics argued the team had not progressed since their Nations League C campaign two years earlier.

Italy stormed into a 3‑0 lead in the first half through Alessandro Bastoni, Davide Frattesi and Michael Kayode. Baris Alper Yilmaz pulled one back after the restart, only for a second Turkish effort to be ruled out for off‑side. Francesco Pio Esposito’s fourth‑minute strike completed the 4‑1 rout.

“The first half‑hour was certainly one to forget,” Montella told Sky Sport Italia. He added that playing every three days at this level demands focus and experience the side currently lacks. He recalled that Türkiye were in Nations League C two years ago and had won Nations League B last season, underscoring the need for improvement.

When asked why the first half collapsed, Montella said the Italian side were mentally better prepared. He admitted his players were uncoordinated and lost belief as the game progressed.

Fans turn on Montella

Before half‑time, loud chants from the crowd in Bursa demanded Montella’s resignation, even naming the head of the Turkish Football Federation. The supporters also jeered the Turkish players after the opening goal, which they felt was undeserved. The angry reaction from TURKEY supporters was palpable.

Montella confessed he “didn’t expect the reaction so quickly after all these lads have done in the last three years.” He noted that the team’s recent rise from Nations League C to B should be a mental and physical reset, not a quick fix.

The fixture formed part of the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase, leaving Türkiye to regroup ahead of their next encounter. The defeat highlighted the gap between Türkiye and the Italian side, also referred to as Italia. Montella’s comments suggest the coaching staff will focus on restoring confidence before the next match.