Vincenzo Montella Confident Kenan Yildiz Will Rise Among Football’s Elite Despite Injury Setback

Turkey head coach Vincenzo Montella spoke openly about the difficulties his squad faces without injured stars Hakan Calhanoglu and Kenan Yildiz ahead of crucial UEFA Nations League matches. He admitted that missing these key playmakers, along with defender Mert Muldur, is a big tactical challenge for the team.

Montella mentioned how losing experienced leaders forces younger players into intense competition sooner than expected. He said, "Without Calhanoglu and Yildiz, it’s not the same Turkey. Initially, Muldur will also be missing. It will be a test for the new players, although with four matches, everything inevitably becomes more difficult."

Praising Yildiz’s Potential Amid Injury

Despite Yildiz’s absence, Montella showered praise on the 21-year-old Juventus forward, comparing his style to Italian legend Alessandro Del Piero. The coach highlighted Yildiz’s rare technical skill and versatility, predicting he will soon be counted among the top players worldwide.

"Kenan Yildiz will become one of the world’s top players," Montella declared. "Even when Alessandro started, comparisons with Baggio were common. He has the talent; he has the potential of a great player. Perhaps today Kenan isn’t a classic number 10, but at that age, you transform, and you can play as a number 10 even starting from the wing and cutting inside."

Emotional Clash Looms Against Italy

Looking ahead, Montella expressed deep emotion about facing Italy in the Nations League, a country where he once played and coached. This sets up a reunion against his former Sampdoria teammate, Roberto Mancini, now Italy’s national coach.

"I would have liked to face all of them, but not Italy, let alone twice in a few days. I’ll be very emotional, I know," Montella said. "I played with Mancini at Sampdoria; there’s esteem, respect, and affection. I believe in him; he has the experience and knowledge to bring Italy back to the top. He’s the right person."

Preparing for Tough Matches Against France and Italy

Turkey begins their Group A1 Nations League campaign with a match against France before facing Italy in two consecutive fixtures. Montella stressed the importance of tactical discipline despite missing key players, knowing the opposition will be strong.

He commented on France’s strength under new leadership, "France has a quality and a pool of players that is unmatched by others. They have renewed enthusiasm with Zidane, but it won’t be easy for them either. As for the two matches against Italy, I hope they will be very balanced."

• UEFA Nations League A - Upcoming Matches for Turkey:
• Date: 25 Sept 2026 | Opponent: France | Time: 21:45
• Date: 28 Sept 2026 | Opponent: Italy | Time: 21:45