Italy host Turkey in Bologna tonight. Read the kick-off time, form, team news, possible line-ups, prediction, and Uganda viewing guide.
Italy host Turkey in Bologna tonight, with both teams needing points in UEFA Nations League Group A1.
Italy are third with four points, while Turkey have lost all three matches, scored once and conceded eight goals.
Roberto Mancini’s team won 4-1 in Bursa eight days ago, but squad rotation and important Turkish absences could change the pattern of the return fixture.
Italy vs Turkey match details
| Detail | Information |
| Competition | UEFA Nations League, League A Group A1 |
| Date | Monday, 5 October 2026 |
| Kick-off | 9:45 p.m. EAT |
| Venue | Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, Bologna |
| Referee | Szymon Marciniak |
Confirmed line-ups should arrive approximately one hour before kick-off.
Current Nations League form
Italy lost 2-0 to Belgium, beat Turkey 4-1 and then drew 1-1 away to France.
In Paris, Gianluigi Donnarumma made several important saves and Alessandro Bastoni scored the equaliser. That performance suggested Italy have become more organised since their opening defeat.
Turkey lost 1-0 to France, 4-1 to Italy and 3-0 to Belgium. Vincenzo Montella’s side have struggled defensively while offering limited attacking threat.
| Position | Team | Played | Goal difference | Points |
| 1 | France | 3 | +2 | 7 |
| 2 | Belgium | 3 | +4 | 6 |
| 3 | Italy | 3 | +1 | 4 |
| 4 | Turkey | 3 | -7 | 0 |
Victory could move Italy second if Belgium lose to France. Another defeat would deepen Turkey’s relegation risk.
Head-to-head record
Italy are unbeaten in 13 meetings, recording nine victories and four draws.
That record includes a 3-0 Euro 2020 victory and last month’s 4-1 win in Bursa. History does not guarantee another comfortable outcome, particularly if Mancini rotates his squad.
| Italy wins | Draws | Turkey wins | Italy goals | Turkey goals |
| 9 | 4 | 0 | 24 | 7 |
Italy team news
Italy may rotate after the France match. Giacomo Raspadori, Federico Dimarco, Bryan Cristante and Nicolò Zaniolo have been reported unavailable.
Donnarumma should start in goal, while debut goalscorer Michael Kayode could retain his place. Kayode scored and provided an assist during the 4-1 victory in Bursa.
Sandro Tonali and Davide Frattesi could start in midfield, with Nicolò Barella also available. Pio Esposito, Moise Kean and Gianluca Scamacca are competing for attacking places. as.com
Possible Italy line-up
Donnarumma; Kayode, Scalvini, Bastoni, Calafiori; Barella, Tonali, Frattesi; Vergara, Pio Esposito, Kean.
Turkey team news
Arda Güler and Barış Alper Yılmaz are suspended, while Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Kenan Yıldız are reported injured. Turkey therefore lose significant creativity, ball progression and attacking quality.
Merih Demiral could captain a three-man defence, while Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Yunus Akgün may support Deniz Gül.
Montella must decide whether to defend with a back five or adopt a more ambitious system in search of Turkey’s first Group A1 points.
Possible Turkey line-up
Altay Bayındır; Zeki Çelik, Merih Demiral, Abdülkerim Bardakcı; Ferdi Kadıoğlu, Salih Özcan, İsmail Yüksek, Oğuz Aydın; Yunus Akgün, Kerem Aktürkoğlu; Deniz Gül.
These are projections and must be updated after the official announcement.
Players to watch
Sandro Tonali
Tonali can control the tempo, recover possession and play forward before Turkey settle defensively. His distribution could determine how quickly Italy move through midfield.
Michael Kayode
Kayode was one of Italy’s outstanding players in the reverse fixture. His forward runs give the Azzurri width and allow the attackers to occupy central positions.
Kerem Aktürkoğlu
With several attackers unavailable, Aktürkoğlu may carry greater responsibility for Turkey’s counterattacks. His speed and ability to move inside could provide their most realistic attacking route.
Tactical expectations
Italy should control possession and press immediately after losing the ball. Frattesi’s forward runs can trouble Turkey’s central defenders, while the full-backs should provide attacking width.
Turkey may use a compact back five and counter through wide areas. They must avoid becoming trapped near their own penalty area because sustained Italian pressure could eventually create openings.
An early Italian goal would force Turkey to attack and leave additional space. A goalless first half would increase pressure on the hosts and give Montella’s players confidence.
Italy vs Turkey prediction
Italy have improved since losing to Belgium, while Turkey arrive pointless and depleted. Home advantage and greater squad depth make the Azzurri favourites.
Result prediction: Italy 2-0 Turkey.
First-half prediction: Italy to lead 1-0.
Goals prediction: Under 3.5 total goals.
Predictions are opinions, not guarantees. Confirmed selections, red cards and individual errors can change the match.
What it means for Ugandan Supporters
The 9:45 p.m. EAT kick-off is convenient for Ugandan supporters after work and evening responsibilities. Followers will recognise Donnarumma, Bastoni, Tonali and Barella.
The game compares Italy’s rebuilding project with Turkey’s fight to remain in League A. Ugandan fans can also assess Kayode after his influential display in Bursa and watch how Italy’s younger attackers respond to home expectations.
Official line-ups should be available from approximately 8:45 p.m. EAT, allowing supporters to verify the final teams before kick-off.
Frequently asked questions
What time is Italy vs Turkey in Uganda?
The match kicks off tonight at 9:45 p.m. EAT.
Where is Italy vs Turkey being played?
Stadio Renato Dall’Ara in Bologna will host the fixture.
Have Italy ever lost to Turkey?
No. Italy have nine wins and four draws from their 13 previous meetings.
What is the Italy vs Turkey prediction?
Italy are predicted to win 2-0, but the outcome remains uncertain.
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Conclusion
Italy enter the contest with improving confidence after taking four points from matches against Turkey and France. Mancini’s younger players have added energy, and victory would strengthen their quarter-final challenge.
Turkey face a more difficult assignment because of poor form and important absences. Their organisation and ability to survive Italy’s early pressure will determine whether they can challenge the prediction and collect their first points.
