Will Montella Stay? The Latest Decision on His Future
Vincenzo Montella is not planning to resign as Turkey’s national team coach after the 4-1 defeat to Italy, but his position is expected to be reviewed after the team’s next fixtures. For now, there is no immediate decision to remove him.
Turkey hosted Italy in the second match of their UEFA Nations League A group campaign. The heavy loss prompted anger among supporters, with sections of the crowd calling for Montella and Turkish Football Federation president İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu to step down.
After the match, Montella was asked whether he was considering resigning. He said he believed in the work he had done and remained confident in his players. He also argued that the team could continue along the path that had brought it to this point. “You can blame me, but we know how to carry on from here,” he said, adding that resignation was not on his agenda.
Italian football journalist Nicolo Schira has also reported that Montella does not intend to quit. According to Schira, the federation plans to assess the coach’s situation after Turkey’s upcoming matches against Belgium and Italy. That means the 4-1 defeat has intensified scrutiny of Montella, but it has not, by itself, brought an immediate change in leadership.
The reaction to the result was shaped not only by the scoreline, but also by the manner of the defeat. A four-goal setback at home can quickly raise questions about tactical choices, preparation and the team’s response under pressure. Supporters’ calls for change reflect the scale of their disappointment, though they do not amount to an official decision by the federation.
Montella, meanwhile, has publicly stood by his approach and his squad. His comments suggest he believes the team can recover through its performances rather than through a change of coach. The next games will therefore carry added importance: they will provide an opportunity for Turkey to respond on the pitch and for the federation to judge whether the current direction remains convincing.
The upcoming fixtures against Belgium and Italy are likely to be treated as a significant test. Results will matter, but the team’s overall display may also influence the assessment. A more organised performance, greater resilience and an improved response to setbacks could help ease the pressure. Further disappointing results, on the other hand, would likely intensify questions about Montella’s future.
For now, the clearest answer is that Montella is staying in his role and has not indicated that he will resign. The federation’s reported plan is to review his position after the next matches, rather than make an immediate decision in the aftermath of the defeat.
That leaves the coach with an opportunity to demonstrate that Turkey can move beyond the loss. It also means that the next performances will be closely watched by supporters and officials alike. Until the federation completes its review, speculation about Montella’s departure remains just that: speculation, not a confirmed change.