Türkiye hosts Italy in Bursa in the UEFA Nations League. Get the EAT kickoff time, team news, head-to-head record, and score prediction.
Türkiye host Italy in Bursa with both teams needing a response in UEFA Nations League Group A1. Vincenzo Montella’s side lost 1-0 to France, while Roberto Mancini’s Italy fell 2-0 at home to Belgium.
Neither scored on Matchday One. Türkiye have home advantage, but Italy possess a commanding record and have never lost this fixture.
Türkiye vs Italy match details
| Detail | Information |
| Competition | UEFA Nations League, League A, Group A1 |
| Date | Monday, 28 September 2026 |
| Kickoff | 9:45 p.m. EAT |
| Venue | Yüzüncü Yıl Atatürk Stadium, Bursa |
| Referee | Michael Oliver |
Form and Group A1 context
Türkiye competed closely with France before Kylian Mbappé scored after 54 minutes. Clear chances were limited, while goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır’s late red card means he is suspended.
Italy struggled against Belgium as Mika Godts scored early and Gianluigi Donnarumma prevented a heavier deficit. The Azzurri improved after half-time, but Dodi Lukebakio’s counterattacking goal settled matters.
Türkiye visit Belgium next, while Italy face France. Another defeat would seriously damage either team’s qualification position.
Türkiye team news
Çakır’s suspension should hand Altay Bayındır the goalkeeping role. Orkun Kökçü trained separately because of toe pain, leaving his availability uncertain. Montella wants greater possession.
Arda Güler remains Türkiye’s creative leader, while Kerem Aktürkoğlu supplies direct running. Zeki Çelik and Merih Demiral provide defensive experience.
Montella faces his home country but has stressed his complete commitment to Türkiye.
Italy team news
Mancini rotated his travelling group. Ten players, including Nicolò Barella, Gianluca Mancini, Diego Coppola, Daniel Maldini and Samuele Ricci, remained at Coverciano. Injured Nicolò Zaniolo left camp.
Alessandro Bastoni returns from suspension, while Sandro Tonali says he is fully recovered. Both should provide leadership in a younger, changed team.
The Italian Football Federation’s Bursa preview confirms the rotation and Bastoni’s return.
Head-to-head record
UEFA records nine Italian wins, four draws and no Türkiye victories in 13 meetings.
| Head-to-head category | Record |
| Türkiye wins | 0 |
| Draws | 4 |
| Italy wins | 9 |
| Türkiye goals | 7 |
| Italy goals | 24 |
Their June 2024 friendly ended 0-0. Türkiye now seek a historic first victory.
Players to watch
Arda Güler
Güler’s close control, passing and long-range shooting can trouble an Italian team using unfamiliar combinations.
Sandro Tonali
Tonali must protect Italy’s defence and use his passing to escape Türkiye’s press.
Alessandro Bastoni
Bastoni improves Italy’s distribution and can step forward to bypass pressure.
Tactical outlook
Türkiye should start aggressively, encouraged by the Bursa crowd and Italy’s rotation. Güler may drift centrally as wide runners stretch the visitors’ defence.
Italy may defend compactly and counter. Bastoni should improve buildup, but unfamiliar combinations could need time to establish rhythm.
Türkiye vs Italy prediction
Türkiye’s home advantage and Italy’s rotation narrow the historical gap. However, the hosts miss their goalkeeper and may again struggle to turn possession into chances.
Another defeat would be damaging, encouraging a cautious contest. A low-scoring draw appears most balanced.
Prediction: Türkiye 1-1 Italy.
Alternative match outlook: Under 3.5 total goals. This is an editorial prediction, not a guaranteed outcome.
Why the match matters to Ugandan supporters
The 9:45 p.m. EAT kickoff gives Ugandan fans a convenient Monday-night fixture at home, sports bars and viewing centres. Familiar players including Güler, Tonali, Donnarumma and Bastoni add individual interest, while the match offers tactical lessons in pressing and counterattacking.
Both teams are chasing their first points, bringing genuine urgency. Confirmed line-ups matter because Italy travelled with a rotated group and Türkiye must change goalkeeper.
For coaches and academy players in Uganda, the game provides a useful study of how two technically gifted teams respond under pressure. Watching Güler find pockets, Tonali organise midfield, and Bastoni build from defence can make the contest educational as well as entertaining, particularly for young players learning positional discipline and decision-making.
Explore the match on Bangbet
Eligible adults can visit Bangbet Uganda to review available Nations League markets. Check confirmed line-ups, injuries and current prices before making any selection, and remember that predictions cannot guarantee results.
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Frequently asked questions
What time is Türkiye vs Italy in Uganda?
Kickoff is 9:45 p.m. EAT on Monday, 28 September 2026.
Where will Türkiye vs Italy be played?
Yüzüncü Yıl Atatürk Stadium in Bursa hosts the match.
Why is Uğurcan Çakır unavailable?
He is suspended after handling outside his penalty area against France.
Have Türkiye ever beaten Italy?
No. UEFA’s record lists nine Italy victories and four draws across 13 meetings.
What is the predicted score?
The prediction is 1-1, reflecting home advantage and Italy’s rotation.
Conclusion
Türkiye can use the Bursa crowd and Güler’s creativity, but Italy’s unbeaten record commands respect. With Mancini rotating and Montella replacing Çakır, neither side is settled. A competitive draw is the reasonable forecast.
