Italy v Turkey: Mancini’s side set for Nations League clash with key absences

Italy face Turkey in their fourth Nations League match on Monday, 5 October 2026, hoping to build on their emphatic 4-1 victory in the reverse fixture.

Turkey will be seeking to end Italy’s historical dominance in the fixture, but Vincenzo Montella’s team will have to cope with several important absences. Africafoot outlines the expected line-ups for the match.

Italy

Italy manager Roberto Mancini is expected to select an attacking and energetic side for the meeting with Turkey.

Gianluigi Donnarumma remains the undisputed first choice in goal, while Michael Kayode is set to be rewarded with another start after scoring on his Italy debut.

Sandro Tonali and Davide Frattesi are expected to provide the midfield with pace and intensity. In attack, Pio Esposito and Sebastiano Esposito could start together alongside Moise Kean, with Italy looking to exploit Turkey’s defensive vulnerability through speed and finishing.

Italy will be without several players. Nicolo Zaniolo left the squad at the start of the international gathering because of a muscular injury. Federico Dimarco, who has a knee problem, and Bryan Cristante, who is suffering from a back issue, were also withdrawn and replaced.

Giacomo Raspadori is another absentee after injuring his right thigh during the first match against Turkey.

Italy’s expected XI

Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma

Defenders: Matteo Ruggeri, Alessandro Bastoni, Giorgio Scalvini, Michael Kayode

Midfielders: Nicolo Fagioli, Sandro Tonali, Davide Frattesi

Forwards: Sebastiano Esposito, Francesco Pio Esposito, Moise Kean

Turkey

Turkey’s preparations have been disrupted by suspensions for Arda Guler and Barıs Alper Yılmaz, while Hakan Calhanoglu, Can Uzun and Kenan Yıldız are unavailable because of injuries.

Montella is expected to retain a three-man defence as he looks to give his side greater stability. Deniz Gul is tipped to lead the attack, with Altay Bayındır likely to start in goal.

Turkey’s expected XI

Goalkeeper: Altay Bayındır

Defenders: Zeki Celik, Merih Demiral, Abdulkerim Bardakcı

Midfielders: Ferdi Kadıoglu, Salih Ozcan, Ismail Yuksek, Oguz Aydın

Forwards: Yunus Akgun, Kerem Akturkoglu, Deniz Gul

The Nations League fixture will be Italy’s fourth match of the campaign. Italy won the previous meeting 4-1 away from home.