Montella rejects resignation calls after Turkey’s 4-1 defeat by Italy

Vincenzo Montella has rejected calls for him to resign as Turkey manager after his side suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat by Italy in Bursa on Monday.

Turkey collapsed during the opening 27 minutes of the second Nations League Group A match, conceding three times before Italy completed the scoring in the second half.

The result was Turkey’s second defeat in the group, following a loss to France, and prompted angry chants from supporters directed at Montella and the president of the Turkish Football Federation.

According to TRTsport journalist Fatih Dogan, fans began calling for “Montella istifa” – “Montella resign” – after Italy went 2-0 ahead with goals in the second and 22nd minutes.

Montella was already under pressure after Turkey were eliminated in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup and then lost 1-0 at home to France in the Nations League.

But the Italian said he had not expected such a strong reaction from the supporters, given the progress made by the team during his three years in charge.

“I certainly did not expect the fans to react with such anger after everything these players have done over the past three years,” Montella said.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, in comments reported by Football Italia, he described Turkey’s first-half display against Italy as a period the team needed to forget.

“The first half-hour was certainly something we need to forget,” he said. “Playing at this level every three days requires a certain focus and experience that we currently lack.”

Montella said Turkey’s recent rise had shown there was still work to do in dealing with the demands of international football.

“We were in Nations League C two years ago and won the Nations League B title last time, so we have clearly shown that we need to improve in this area,” he added.

“It requires a mental and physical reset every few days, and that is not something that can be learned quickly.”

Asked why Turkey had made so many serious errors before half-time, Montella said Italy had been better prepared from the outset.

“They were certainly more mentally ready at the beginning,” he said. “We were disjointed, so we ran more and lost confidence.”

He also defended the players after they were booed by sections of the crowd following Italy’s opening goal.

“They booed the players too after the first goal, even though they did not deserve it,” Montella said. “The atmosphere before the match had been excellent, and I really did not expect such a quick reaction after everything these players have achieved over the past three years.”

Asked by Turkish newspaper Hurriyet whether he could resign, Montella insisted he remained committed to the job.

“I believe in the work I have done. Even when I received attractive offers, I did not leave,” he said. “I still trust our players and support them.”

He added: “Just as we arrived here together, we know how to continue the journey. If there is a possibility of resignation, I will speak to the players, but that is not on our agenda.”