Fatih Terim calls tonight's Turkey‑Italy match crucial for both sides

During an interview given to today’s edition of the, Fatih Terim described tonight’s match between Turkey and Italy as “extremely important because Italy and Turkey need a win”. The Turkish coach highlighted the difficulty of the period the Italian national team is going through and presented the encounter as a good opportunity for Turkey after the World Cup.

Key absences for Italy

Italy’s head coach, Roberto Montella, will have to manage two important absences: those of Hakan Calhanoglu and Merih Yildiz. Terim emphasized that their absence will be felt because both possess high technical qualities.

Emerging talents in Turkey

Terim recalled that Turkey has promising youngsters such as Arda Güler and Can Uzun, describing them as extraordinary talents. He added that matches of this kind represent opportunities for players to take on responsibility.

Reflections on the Italian head coach

The Turkish coach commented on Montella’s work, stating: “I know him very well and have followed both his career as a player and as a coach. He is a coach who understands football, reads the game well and has his own ideas”. Terim praised the Italian Federation’s decision to continue with Montella after the World Cup, attributing it to trust and the work done.

Stability and future prospects

Terim reiterated his support for stability, explaining that it takes time for a team to find a certain style of play. He recalled that a few years ago Turkey was in League C of the Nations League, and concluded by praising Montella and the squad for the progress made.