'This time we will win' – Montella promises Turkey victory against Italy

Montella's defiant rallying cry after France heartbreak

Turkey began their Nations League campaign with a narrow 1-0 defeat to France on Friday, but head coach Vincenzo Montella left the pitch in Kocaeli convinced his side are on the brink of a landmark result.

Kylian Mbappe's 54th-minute strike proved the difference at the Turka Arac Muayene Kocaeli Stadyumu, earning France victory in a contest where the margins were razor-thin. Goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir was shown a late red card for a handball outside the box, yet Montella was thrilled with the way his team matched France's star-studded squad.

The underlying numbers backed his optimism. Turkey finished with an expected goals (xG) total of 1.21 from 12 shots, compared to France's 1.17 from the same number of attempts — evidence, Montella argued, that a positive result was well within reach.

An imposing record to overturn

Next up for Turkey is an Italy side that opened their campaign with a 2-0 home defeat to Belgium. Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio scored in either half to hand the visitors a winning debut, leaving the Azzurri with a sobering start to the group.

It is the first meeting between the two nations since a 0-0 draw in an international friendly in June 2024. But history weighs heavily against Turkey: the Azzurri have never lost to them in 14 previous meetings, winning 10 and drawing four.

"This time we will win"

Montella, however, believes his team's performance against France is a solid foundation to build on, and he was unequivocal in his belief that Turkey can finally get the better of Italy on home soil on Monday.

"You all played very well and showed your fighting spirit," Montella told his squad. "We conceded a goal due to a momentary lapse in concentration, but we could have won this match.

"Now we will immediately gather our energy and focus on the Italy match. This time we will win, as long as we play with the same discipline and passion."

Turkey sit third in Group A1 after the opening round of fixtures, with clashes against Belgium and Italy still to come before the end of the international break.