INGLEWOOD, CA – JUNE 25: Turkey head coach Vincenzo Montella watches the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D match between Turkey and the United States at Los Angeles Stadium on June 25, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Alex Green/Getty Images)
Vincenzo Montella saw an “incredible performance” in Turkey’s 1-0 loss to France and hopes to see the same “spirit” against Italy in Monday’s Nations League clash.
Considering they both lost their opening games, this will be a true head-to-head matchup.
The Azzurri currently lost 0-2 at home to Belgium and are currently at the bottom of the table, lagging behind on goal difference.
Montella proud of Türkiye’s performance
“I’m proud, it’s a pity that we couldn’t leave the field with a positive result,” Montella told Sky Sports Italia After Türkiye lost 0-1 to France.
The only goal of the game was scored by Kylian Mbappe with an assist from Michael Olise, with the Real Madrid striker later coming off with a knee injury.
“It was an unbelievable performance, one of our best, especially considering who we were playing against. We know that against a team like this you can’t afford even the slightest mistake, but I thought we had a chance too and it was a very equal game,” added Montella.
Although France had more possession, the statistics were largely similar, with 12 shot attempts and 3 saves from both sides.
“I saw a great team spirit and that’s what we need to carry with us into the next games. It’s not easy to recover physically and mentally so quickly, so we need that spirit first.
“I feel bad for my lads because they really gave it their all today.”
Urugakakir was sent off in the final minutes and will therefore be suspended when Turkey host Italy at Ataturk Sports Club in Bursa on Monday night.