Turkey vs Italy: A Crucial UEFA Nations League Clash With Group Points at Stake

Football fans are turning their attention to Bursa as Türkiye faces Italy in an important UEFA Nations League 2026-2027 match.

The Turkey vs. Italy game is part of the second round of Group A1 in League A, with both teams looking for their first points after losing their opening fixtures.

The match will be played on September 28, 2026, at the Yüzüncü Yıl Atatürk Stadium in Bursa, with kick-off scheduled for 21:45 Türkiye time.

Group Standings Before Turkey vs. Italy

After the opening round, Belgium led the group with three points, followed by France with three points.

Türkiye and Italy are both without points after losing their first matches.

The group statistics after the opening round are

Belgium: One match, one win, three points, two goals scored and one conceded.

France: One match, one win, three points, one goal scored, and no goals conceded.

Türkiye: One match, no wins, zero points, one goal scored, and one conceded.

Italy: One match, no wins, zero points, one goal scored and two conceded.

Türkiye Looking for a Response

Türkiye began their Nations League campaign against France and lost the opening match 1-0.

The Turkish national team will now look to use home advantage in Bursa to claim its first three points of the campaign.

A defeat against Italy would make the situation more difficult, while a victory would give Türkiye an important boost for the remaining group matches.

Italy Looking to Recover

Italy also suffered a difficult start to the Nations League.

The Italian national team lost 2-0 to Belgium in its opening match and currently has no points.

A positive result in Bursa would allow Italy to improve its position and remain involved in the race for the top places in the group.

What Happens If Türkiye Wins?

If Türkiye defeats Italy, the Turkish national team will collect its first three points of the Nations League campaign.

Türkiye would move above Italy in the group standings, although the exact position would also depend on the result of the Belgium vs. France match and the goal difference.

A victory would also give Türkiye important momentum ahead of the next fixtures.

What Happens If Italy Wins?

If Italy wins, the Italian national team will collect its first three points.

Türkiye would remain without a point after two matches, increasing the importance of its upcoming fixtures.

For Italy, a victory would provide an opportunity to move back into the race for the top positions in the group.

What Happens If Turkey vs. Italy Ends in a Draw?

If Turkey vs. Italy ends in a draw, both teams would collect one point.

Türkiye and Italy would therefore move to one point each but would still be without a victory after two rounds.

The gap to Belgium and France would depend on the result of the other group match.

Belgium vs. France Also Matters

The other match in the group is Belgium against France.

Both teams entered the second round with three points after winning their opening matches.

Belgium defeated Italy 2-0, while France beat Türkiye 1-0.

The Belgium vs France result will therefore also influence the shape of the group standings after the second round.

Turkey vs. Italy Head-to-Head Record

Türkiye and Italy have faced each other 16 times.

According to the Turkish Football Federation, Türkiye has recorded five draws and 11 defeats against Italy.

Türkiye has scored 10 goals in those matches while conceding 29.

The most recent meeting between the two teams took place in June 2024 and ended in a goalless draw.

Why the Turkey vs Italy Match Matters

The UEFA Nations League places significant importance on the final group standings.

In League A, the teams finishing first and second in their groups advance to the quarter-finals.

The team finishing third enters a play-off to remain in League A, while the fourth-placed team faces relegation to League B.

This makes the Turkey vs Italy match important for more than just three points, as the result could directly affect the teams’ calculations for the rest of the group stage.

When is Turkey vs. Italy?

The Turkey vs Italy match will be played on September 28, 2026, in Bursa.

Kick-off is scheduled for 21:45 Türkiye time at the Yüzüncü Yıl Atatürk Stadium.

Both national teams enter the match searching for their first win after losing their opening Nations League fixtures.