Italy
Italy sit third with three points from their opening two games in UEFA Nations League A, Group 1 2026, but they've already tasted defeat at home.
Turkey
Turkey have lost two matches in a row and have posted just one win and four defeats in their last five outings.
Head-to-Head
The last head-to-head between these two sides was in a Friendly International Match at this venue, which resulted in a 0-0 draw and there are signs that this could be another cagey matchup.
Key Players
Baris Alper Yilmaz (three goals in Turkey's last five) has been the spark for the visitors, while Francesco Pio Esposito has led the line with two goals for Italy in the same timeframe.
Betting Insights
- Italy are the favorites here at 1.59, but I'm more inclined to take Turkey at 4.72 or the draw at 4.1, as I don't think this will be as easy as the odds suggest for the home team.
- Roberto Mancini's 4-3-3 Italy will be looking to control the pace, dominate possession and win the match in the midfield, so this should be a real old-fashioned possession vs transition affair.
- Over 2.5 goals at 1.73 is perhaps more in line with how Italy have played under Mancini, they are clearly the more attacking team and should be able to create more chances in this one.
Prediction
- Turkey are on zero points after two games and are currently bottom of the group, so the early pressure is on the visitors for this matchup.
- However, I think Italy have the quality and momentum to edge it.