Nations League Italy‑Turkey: the battle for third place

Monday 5 September, the Dall’Ara Stadium in Bologna hosts Italy and Turkey for the fourth matchday of Group A of the Nations League. The Azzurri aim for victory to lock down third place and hope for second should Belgium lose to France.

Turkey is experiencing a total crisis, with zero points from three games. Montella’s bench is under pressure, the coach risks losing his job.

Nations League in Bologna: Mancini guides Italy towards revival

Probable line‑ups: Italy (4‑3‑3) with Donnarumma between the posts; defence Kayode, Mancini, Bastoni, Calafiori; midfield Barella, Romano, Tonali; attack Sebastiano Esposito, Pio Esposito and Maldini, led by coach Mancini. Turkey (4‑2‑3‑1) lines up Bayindir, Celik, Kabak, Bardakci, Elmali, Ozcan, Yuksek, Arda Guler, Can Uzun, Akturkoglu and Baris Yilmaz, under the guidance of Montella. For Bwin Italy is favoured at 1.43, the draw at 5.00 and the Turkish win at 6.25.

Italy beats Turkey but Samuele Inacio stays on the bench: future uncertain