Montella: "My Heart and Head Will Be Only for Turkey Against Italy"

Vincenzo Montella, head coach of the Turkish national team, acknowledged the unique nature of facing Italy in an upcoming Nations League match. Speaking at a press conference alongside Juventus defender Zeki Çelik, Montella expressed his desire for a win despite his past connection to Italian football.

"I would have gladly avoided playing Italy," Montella stated. "A significant result is at stake, and we want to win. My heart and my head will be solely with Turkey. I've been in this country for five years and working for the Federation for three, making me feel like one of them. I will give everything for Turkey."

"Coaching Italy? I Was Contacted in the Past"

Montella also touched on the pressure of his current role and the team's focus on integrating young talent.

"When I win, I become tall, handsome, and blonde; when I don't win... The pressure is immense, I assure you. We are working towards the future, gradually introducing promising young players to achieve important results."

Addressing speculation about coaching Italy, Montella revealed past contact but clarified no recent offers.

"I haven't been contacted recently, but yes, in the past. I have two more years on my contract here. The Turkish people, the Federation, and the president deserve my complete dedication, which I offer fully."

Montella Defends Italy's Quality

The coach disagreed with overly negative assessments of Italian football's current state, recognizing Italy's competitive squad despite acknowledging the deeper talent pools of some other top nations.

"Football has its cycles, and I agree with what Mancini said. If you set aside France, England, Spain, Germany, and Portugal, which have a high-caliber player pool, Italy has a competitive team. Perhaps not as deep... With players like Donnarumma, Bastoni, Barella (who will be absent), Pio Esposito, Kean, Scamacca, Tonali, and Calafiori, it's a highly competitive formation. Sometimes, incidents like a penalty decide whether you go to a World Cup or win a match. Belgium played an incredible game on Friday and was superior, but Italy had the chance to equalize."

For the match in Bursa, Turkey aims for greater ball possession compared to their previous game against France.

"We want to try to keep the ball more than in the last game against France, but the opponents also matter."

Orkun's Condition

Montella provided an update on Orkun's recovery, explaining the player's recent difficulties.

"I don't know what was said, but he played with an injection in his club's last few matches. I thank him for wanting to stay with the group. Today, he trained partially with his teammates for the first time, and we'll see how he responds."

Best Wishes to Totti: "Welcome to the Second Half"

Finally, Montella extended birthday wishes to Francesco Totti on his 50th birthday.

"We are in a WhatsApp group with other players, and I sent him my wishes. I'll repeat them publicly: jokingly, I told him, 'Welcome to the second half,' and I hope he celebrates this fine age with joy."