Montella sparks challenge vs Italy: pressures and memories of a past called

On Friday afternoon, the Timsah Arena in Bursa was the setting for a tension‑filled press conference, where Turkey's head coach, Vincenzo Montello, answered questions about the upcoming clash with Italy scheduled for Monday 28 September at 20:45, in the second matchday of Group 1 of League A of the Nations League.

The background on the Italian bench

Montella revealed that, “in recent times I have never been contacted, in the past I have,” referring to a possible appointment to the Italy head‑coach job. He added, “right now I have no space in my mind to think about the future: I want to honour the two‑year contract I have here to the fullest.”

Pressures and ambitions in Turkey

The coach described the pressure he feels: “When I win I become tall, handsome and blond, when I don’t win… the pressure is huge.” He emphasized that the Turkish federation and the president deserve his utmost dedication, and that “we are working to integrate the prospects we have and do it gradually.”

Analysis of the Italian team

Montella agreed with Roberto Mancini’s observations, stating that “there are cycles in football.” He listed the Italian players who, in his view, make the team competitive: “Donnarumma, Bastoni, Barella, Kean, Pio Esposito, Tonali, Calafiori.” He also mentioned Arda, describing him as “one of those players who likes to set up his teammates for goal.”

The Turkish head coach commented on the preparation for the match: “We would like to try to have more possession than in the last game against France.” He also spoke about Orkun’s recovery, who “has played with a limited involvement in the recent matches with his club” and “trained partially with the squad for the first time.”

In the broader context of the Nations League, Montella recalled the crisis in Italian football, citing Italy’s competitiveness compared to Spain, England, France, Germany and Portugal, and recalled a recent Belgium‑Italy match where “Italy had the chance to draw.”

Finally, he sent his best wishes to Francesco Totti on his 50th birthday, joking about the “return leg” and hoping the celebrated former player celebrates with joy.