Turkey Lose Calhanoglu and Yildiz for Nations League Tests
Turkey head coach Vincenzo Montella will begin a demanding Nations League programme without Hakan Calhanoglu, Kenan Yildiz and, initially, defender Mert Muldur, leaving his squad short of several established figures before meetings with Europe’s leading sides.
Absences add to Turkey’s Nations League challenge
Montella said the loss of Calhanoglu and Yildiz changes the character of his team, while Muldur is also unavailable at the start of the international window. The coach accepts that the circumstances will require younger players to take on major responsibility sooner than expected.
Turkey are preparing for four competitive fixtures in a schedule that opens their Nations League Group A1 campaign against France and also includes two matches against Italy in quick succession. Montella said the scale of the programme makes the missing players particularly significant.
- Hakan Calhanoglu is unavailable for the upcoming matches.
- Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz is also sidelined.
- Mert Muldur will miss the opening stage of the window.
- Turkey face France before playing Italy twice in consecutive fixtures.
“Turkey are different without Calhanoglu and Yildiz,” Montella said, adding that Muldur would not be involved initially. He described the period as a major examination for the newer members of the squad, particularly with four matches to navigate.
Montella sees elite potential in Yildiz
Yildiz’s absence removes one of Turkey’s most creative attacking options, but Montella remains convinced that the 21-year-old can develop into one of the game’s leading players.
The Turkey manager compared the discussion around Yildiz’s potential with the early attention received by Alessandro Del Piero, when comparisons were frequently made with Roberto Baggio. Montella believes Yildiz has the technical quality and adaptability required to reach the highest level.
Although he does not regard Yildiz solely as a traditional No 10 at this stage, Montella said the forward can influence matches from wide areas by moving inside. That ability, he suggested, allows the Juventus player to operate as a central creator even when he begins on the flank.
“He has the ability and the potential of an outstanding player,” Montella said. “At that age, a footballer’s role can still change, and he can become a No 10 by starting wide and coming inside.”
Emotional Italy reunion ahead
The double-header with Italy will carry personal significance for Montella, who said he would have preferred not to meet his home nation, particularly not twice within a few days.
Italy are led by Roberto Mancini, Montella’s former Sampdoria team-mate. The Turkey coach spoke warmly of their relationship and backed Mancini to oversee Italy’s return to the top level after recent World Cup disappointments.
Montella said both national teams are attempting to renew their groups through younger players as they rebuild. He described Mancini as a coach with the experience and understanding needed to guide Italy forward.
“There is respect, esteem and affection between us,” Montella said. “I believe he is the right person to take Italy back to the top.”
France provide the opening test
Before the Italy fixtures, Turkey must contend with France, whom Montella described as possessing an exceptional pool of talent. He also noted the renewed energy around the French side under Zidane, while insisting that the contest will present challenges for both teams.
With key attackers absent, Montella wants Turkey to remain disciplined and competitive against opponents of France and Italy’s calibre. His hope for the two Italy matches is that they are closely balanced, despite the emotional weight of facing his own country.
