Turkey’s Arda Güler is the focal point of a reshaped squad as the nation seeks to bounce back from their 1–0 defeat to France in the UEFA Nations League.
With Uğurcan Çakır suspended following his red card against the Bleus, Altay Bayındır takes his place in goal, while the absence of Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Kenan Yıldız further reshapes Turkey’s attacking options.
The 3–4–2–1 formation, anchored by a central defensive trio of Zeki Çelik, Ozan Kabak and Merih Demiral, will rely on Güler’s creativity in the attacking midfield alongside Barış Alper Yılmaz and Can Uzun in attack.
Italy, meanwhile, have undergone a dramatic eight-man lineup change under Roberto Mancini, with debuts for Matteo Ruggeri and Michael Kayode marking the most significant shifts.
The Azzurri adopt a 4–3–3 formation, featuring Alessandro Bastoni and Giorgio Scalvini in defence, while Nicolò Fagioli, Davide Frattesi and Sandro Tonali form the midfield backbone.
The Esposito brothers—Francesco Pio and Sebastiano—flank Giacomo Raspadori in attack, with Rolando Mandragora on the bench after not starting.
The absence of Federico Dimarco, Manuel Locatelli and Bryan Cristante leaves Mancini with a younger, more experimental squad, particularly in the midfield where Frattesi’s presence could dictate the tempo.
The tactical contrast between Montella’s defensive solidity and Mancini’s fluidity will be a key battleground.
Turkey’s wing-backs, Oğuz Aydın and Eren Elmali, will push high to exploit Italy’s potential gaps in central midfield, while Italy’s full-backs—Kayode in particular—will look to disrupt Turkey’s rhythm with aggressive pressing.
Güler’s role as an attacking midfielder or false winger could be decisive, especially if Turkey’s front three struggle to break down Italy’s organized defense.
This match is more than just a redemption game—it’s a test of adaptability for both sides.
Turkey’s squad, depleted by injuries and suspensions, must rely on youth and resilience, while Italy’s overhaul signals Mancini’s willingness to experiment.
The stage is set in Bursa, where the first Nations League defeat of each team will fuel the urgency.
The result could shape the remainder of Group A1, with the winner securing a significant advantage heading into the final round.
