Montella under pressure after two defeats in the Nations League

Vincenzo Montella endured a tense afternoon at the Bursa stadium, where Turkey hosted Italy and fell 1‑4, adding to the 0‑1 defeat to France on Friday. The two consecutive home defeats have put the Italian coach on the hot seat, according to Jordi Archs' report for International Football.

Growing pressure after the World Cup elimination

The failure in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup left the Turkish national team without options and heightened the criticism of Montella, who nevertheless kept his position. Fans recall that the elimination came after a campaign that had started with optimism, but was cut short by adverse results.

The match against Italy was played at the Bursa stadium, known for its crocodile shape, but the decision to host the encounter there turned into an own goal. From the initial whistle, the fans chanted against Montella, even during the Italian anthem, and at halftime the score read 0‑3.

The boos did not stop after the first half; the pressure intensified when supporters demanded that the president of the Turkish Football Federation, İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu, dismiss the coach. The official left the venue after a series of verbal attacks.

Expectations and upcoming commitments

Before the Nations League, Turkey had entered the World Cup with the hope of a “theoretically manageable” group. However, Australia beat them 2‑0 and Paraguay 1‑0, thwarting the goal of progressing to the qualifiers. The side was eliminated before beating the host United States 3‑2 in its final match.

The 2026‑2027 Nations League schedule forces Turkey to face Belgium this Friday and Italy again on Monday, matches that will determine its position in Group A1. Fans are looking for a response that reverses the negative trend.

Turkish media have put Montella under the spotlight of criticism. Fanatik stated that the coach’s credibility is “almost exhausted” and that the team needs “new energy, new ideas and a different approach.”

Montella tried to defend his tenure by citing the team’s progress: “Two and a half years ago we were in Lega C; with me we won Lega B and today we are in Lega A.” He added that the value of the Italian squad amounts to €840 million, while the Turkish one is worth €417 million, highlighting the resource gap.

With the focus on the Turkish Football Federation (TFF), Montella’s future remains in doubt. The decision on his continuation will be made before the group’s final commitments, while the pressure from the press and fans does not ease.