Italy vs Turkey Tips & Predictions – Both Sides to Score in the UEFA Nations League
Italy showcased their dominance in the opening head-to-head match of the UNL 2026, securing a resounding 4-1 victory. The match was action-packed and enjoyable for fans, signaling Italy’s strong form in the tournament. With the next fixture set for Monday in Bologna, expectations are high for another goal-heavy encounter. Fans should look forward to an entertaining and competitive rematch as Italy aims to continue their impressive start.
- Italy defeated Turkey 4-1 in the second round
- We are predicting another action-packed game in Bologna
- Check our full preview for Italy vs Turkey below
Turkey's inefficiency contributed to their elimination from the 2026 World Cup, and now they have converted just one of their 50 shots across three UEFA Nations League games. I believe it's finally time for their strikers to be more focused, so BTTS is the standout pick.
- Key Stats
- Italy Unbeaten Against Turkey
- Azzurri Stepped Up After Opening Defeat
- Turkey off to a Disastrous Start
- Team News & Predicted Lineups
Key Stats
- Italy have seen BTTS in their last 2 matches.
- Italy have seen BTTS in 6 of their last 8 matches against Turkey.
Italy Unbeaten Against Turkey
This is going to be the 16th time these two nations lock horns. Italy won on ten occasions, while four clashes ended without a winner.
Azzurri Stepped Up After Opening Defeat
Italy are having mixed results so far in the UEFA Nations League 2026 under Roberto Mancini, accumulating four points in the first three rounds.
Azzurri started this campaign with a disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Belgium, but then bounced back and earned a convincing 4-1 victory against Turkey in Izmir with Alessandro Bastoni, Davide Frattesi and Michael Kayode finding the net in the first half, while Francesco Pio Esposito finished the job later.
Italy were labelled underdogs on Friday against France but looked good on the pitch, claiming well-deserved 1-1 draw thanks to Bastoni's second half equalizer. They ended this clash with 1.54-1.25 expected goals and 14-18 shots.
Turkey off to a Disastrous Start
Turkey's chances of suffering relegation to the Nations League B division are high after losing all three games so far, while Vincenzo Montella is under big pressure to keep his job.
The Crescent Stars were beaten in the first round by France 1-0 where they probably deserved more, while their defending was terrible in the follow up clash, losing to Italy 4-1 (Baris Yilmaz scored a consolation goal).
Turkey were nowhere close to stopping the slide on Friday, suffering another convincing defeat to Belgium 3-0. Denis Gul and Merih Demiral missed big chances to score here, Turkey ending the clash with 1.38 xG and 23 shots.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Italy (4-3-3) Gianluigi Donnarumma; Michael Kayode, Giorgio Scalvini, Alessandro Bastoni, Riccardo Calafiori; Nicolo Barella, Sandro Tonali, Davide Frattesi; Antonio Vergara, Pio Esposito, Moise Kean
Giacomo Raspadori is definitely ruled out for this clash due to an injury, so Moise Kean is expected to start.
Giacomo Raspadori is definitely ruled out for this clash due to an injury, so Moise Kean is expected to start.
Turkey (3-4-2-1) Ugurcan Cakir; Ozan Kabak, Merih Demiral, Zeki Celik; Ferdi Kadioglu, Salih Ozcan, Ismail Yuksek, Eren Elmali; Yunus Akgun, Kerem Akturkoglu; Serdar Gul
Turkey have arrived with significant absences in attacking areas, as Arda Guler and Baris Alper Yilmaz serve one-match bans. Hakan Calhanoglu was out of contention due to an injury.
Turkey have arrived with significant absences in attacking areas, as Arda Guler and Baris Alper Yilmaz serve one-match bans. Hakan Calhanoglu was out of contention due to an injury.
Verdict
The first head to head clash of these sides in the UNL 2026 was quite entertaining and full of action, Italy taking a 4-1 victory. I expect another high-scoring affair on Monday in Bologna.
BTTS Yes
Both Teams to Score
@4/6 - 3 Units
Bet £10 Get £30
with bonus code NEWBONUS
Available to new customers only. Make a qualifying deposit of £5 or more and claim the offer within 30 days of registering your account to qualify for 300% of that amount in Bet Credits, up to a maximum of £30 in Bet Credits. Once released, your Bet Credits will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration required. Time limits and T&Cs apply. The bonus code NEWBONUS can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way. #ad
BTTS & Over 2.5
Both to Score/Total Goals
@9/10 - 2 Units
Bet £10 Get £10
Promo Code: NEWBONUS
New customers only. Bet £10+ to receive £10 in Free Bets. 7-day free bet expiry. Stake not returned. Promotional Terms Apply. 18+. GambleAware.org
With a particular love for the English Premier League, he's been writing about sports online for more than a decade since completing a degree in literature and sports journalism.
The primary areas of focus include top European football leagues (mainly EPL, La Liga, Serie A & Bundesliga), basketball (EuroLeague, NBA & WNBA), Handball and Volleyball.
Follow Vedran on Facebook.
Top Betting Sites
Betting offers
Upcoming Events
21 September 2026
- EMEA Masters 2026 Summer -
- Esports
24 September 2026
- VALORANT Champions 2026 -
- Esports
- EuroLeague 2026/27 -
- Basketball
28 September 2026
- WTA Beijing -
- Tennis
Load More
Sports Tips Starts in
Today's Acca Tips
-
Soccer tips
-
Horse Racing tips
-
Tennis tips
