National coach Montella threatens split after four defeats

In Stadio Dall’Ara a tense silence hangs over the stadium as Vincenzo Montella, the Turkish national team coach, faces rumors of an imminent split despite four defeats in the Nations League and a 1‑3 away loss to Italy. A report in the daily newspaper Milliyet mentions “out” for coach Montella, yet the Turkish federation has not provided any official confirmation.

Four defeats in the Nations League

After four defeats in the Nations League, the Turkish national team has collected zero points. The most recent match ended in a 1‑3 away loss to Italy.

A report in the newspaper Milliyet names President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu and the executive board as the decision‑makers behind the planned split. So far, however, there is no official confirmation from the Turkish football association.

Montella’s reaction and future promises

Vincenzo Montella, 52, was appointed in 2023 as the successor to Stefan Kuntz. He coached Turkey from September 2021 to September 2023, at a time when Turkish media already reported a possible dismissal. The federation initially denied those reports before Kuntz was eventually sacked.

After an early exit at the 2026 World Cup and a disastrous start to the Nations League, Montella is under heavy pressure. In Nations‑League A Group 1 the team has suffered three consecutive defeats against France, Italy and Belgium and remains without a point.

Next Monday, Turkey will meet Italy at Stadio Dall’Ara in the Nations League A‑1. Montella told reporters: “I want to continue as Türkiye coach.”

He recalled the heightened expectations over the past three years, which include achievements such as qualifying for the European Championship, winning the group, returning to the World Cup after 24 years, and promotion to League A. A personal highlight was the encounter with his former Sampdoria teammate Roberto Mancini, which he described as emotional. Montella concluded by stating that his appointment rests entirely with the Turkish football federation and the squad.