The UEFA Nations League kicks off for Türkiye and Italy on September 28, 2026, with both sides looking to lay down an early marker. As the opening fixture, there’s no recent form to dissect, setting up an intriguing clash where tactical setups and individual brilliance will be paramount. Italy enters as slight favorites with odds of 2.37, reflecting their historical pedigree, while Türkiye at 2.95 will be banking on home advantage. The draw at 3.4 suggests a tight affair is a real possibility, an outcome supported by their last encounter ending goalless.
Past head-to-head results favor the Azzurri, with two comfortable wins and a narrow 3-2 victory in their last three meetings. Türkiye will be eager to reverse this trend and begin their campaign with a statement win against a formidable opponent. Goals could be at a premium, with the Under 2.5 goals market slightly favored at 1.84, hinting at a cautious approach from both camps in this early-season fixture. Watch for the midfield battle and how each manager seeks to control possession and deny space in what promises to be a cagey but compelling encounter.
1. U. Çakır, 2. Z. Çelik, 3. M. Demiral, 14. A. Bardakcı, 18. O. Aydın, 16. İ. Yüksek, 5. S. Özcan, 20. F. Kadıoğlu, 10. A. Güler, 11. C. Uzun, 21. B. Yılmaz
1. G. Donnarumma, 22. G. Di Lorenzo, 23. G. Mancini, 6. D. Coppola, 5. R. Calafiori, 18. N. Barella, 4. A. Romano, 8. S. Tonali, 9. M. Kean, 7. F. Esposito, 21. N. Cambiaghi
Match events
9' Goal Normal Goal — Alessandro Bastoni (Italy)
22' Goal Normal Goal — Davide Frattesi (Italy)
27' Goal Normal Goal — Michael Kayode (Italy) (assists: Pio Esposito)
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