(PRIMASPORT) ISTANBUL – The Türkiye breaks off the relationship with Vincenzo Montella. The Turkish Football Federation has decided to sack the Italian coach, despite the recent achievement of qualifying for the final stage of the 2026 World Championships, reached after 24 years of absence. The choice was determined by the recent negative results, with four consecutive defeats in Nations League, two of which were conceded against Italy. An unexpected outcome for the coach, who during his tenure had helped bring the Turkish national team back to the pinnacle of international football.
Montella leaves the Turkish national team after 40 official and friendly matches, with a balance of 21 wins, 5 draws and 14 defeats. Numbers that tell the story of a journey made of important results, but also of a conclusion very different from the premises built in the first years of his management. For the former striker, nicknamed the’Little airplane During his career as a footballer, another chapter of his experience on the bench closes. After having worn, among others, the shirts of Sampdoria e Rome, having won the 2001 Scudetto with the Giallorossi, Montella had begun his coaching career at the Roman club. He subsequently led Catania, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, and Milan, before the experiences abroad with Seville e Adana Demirspor. In particular, with Fiorentina he had achieved significant results, while at the helm of Milan he had conquered the Italian Super Cup in 2016.
Now the Turkish Federation will have to find a successor. Among the most credible names is Arda Turan, former midfielder of Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, currently coach of Shakhtar Donetsk. (PRIMASPORT)