Turkey: Vincenzo Montella dismissed as head coach

The Turkish Football Federation announced on Friday, October 9, 2026, that it was ending its collaboration with Vincenzo Montella. The Italian coach leaves his position after Turkey’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup and a run of four consecutive defeats in the Nations League.

Vincenzo Montella is no longer Turkey’s head coach. In a statement, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) announced that its executive committee had decided to end its collaboration with the Italian coach. The governing body did not provide details on the reasons for the decision and did not name a possible successor.

The separation comes after a run of unfavourable results in the Nations League. Turkey suffered four consecutive defeats against France, Belgium and Italy, whom they faced twice. According to Anadolu Agency, this is the first such run for the Turkish national team in 38 years.

Read also: Turkey: Arda Turan in pole position to become the new head coach

A quarter-final at Euro 2024, followed by a difficult end to his tenure

Appointed in September 2023, Vincenzo Montella had nevertheless guided Turkey to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024. The Turks were eliminated by the Netherlands (2-1), after a run that had raised expectations for the remainder of his tenure.

Under his leadership, the national team had also returned to the World Cup in 2026, after a 24-year absence. But its campaign in the competition ended in the group stage. The four consecutive defeats in the Nations League then further darkened the Italian coach’s record.

Aged 52, the former Italy international had notably managed Fiorentina and AC Milan before taking charge of the Turkish national team. After just over three years in the role, he leaves his position without the Federation having officially announced a successor.

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

Related teams and leagues

Turkiye

UEFA Nations League A