We are ashamed of this performance – Turkey loses to Italy

Turkish national team lost at home in the Nations League against Italy 1-4. Alessandro Bastoni scored after nine minutes, Davide Frattesi (22') and Michael Kayode (27') added. The fans responded with a whistling concert and demanded the resignation of coach Vincenzo Montella. Captain Merih Demiral apologized and said: “We are ashamed of this performance.”

Early goals, fan reaction and demands

Alessandro Bastoni put the visitors ahead after nine minutes, before Davide Frattesi (22') and Michael Kayode (27') early on made it 0-3. Baris Yilmaz reduced the deficit only 90 seconds after the side change to 1-3, but Pio Esposito restored the three‑goal margin three minutes later (50'). A second goal by Yilmaz was disallowed for offside, so the final result remained 1-4. The fans expressed massive discontent, whistling loudly and chanting “Montella, step down” as well as “TFF, step down”. According to Fanatik, TFF president Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu even left the stadium before the start of the second half.

Montella's reaction and outlook

“In the first half we deserved the boos and whistles,” said Vincenzo Montella, who after the third concession had to endure calls for his resignation. He ruled out an early departure, emphasized his confidence in the work and stated: “I believe in the work I have done … We must not lose our self‑confidence.” Zeki Celik expressed disappointment: “A 4-1 at home should not have happened! We want to delight our country with victories in the next two games.” Turkey will next face Belgium on October 2, before the return match in Italy is played on October 5.