The Vincenzo Montella era has come to an end for the Turkish National Football Team. The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) decided not to continue with the Italian coach following its latest board meeting.
Appointed on September 21, 2023, following Stefan Kuntz, Montella remained at the helm of the Crescent-Stars for 1115 days. Montella, who defeated Croatia 1-0 away in his first match on October 12, 2023, lost his final match 3-1 away to Italy on October 5, 2026.
Under Montella's management, the National Team played a total of 40 matches, 31 of which were competitive and 9 friendly. In these matches, the national team secured 21 victories, suffered 14 defeats, and had 5 draws. During this period, the Crescent-Stars scored 66 goals and conceded 58.
One of the most notable highlights of the Italian coach's tenure was the 2024 European Championship. In the tournament held in Germany, Turkey advanced from a group that included Portugal, Czechia, and Georgia, and reached the quarter-finals by defeating Austria in the Round of 16. The national team bid farewell to the tournament after losing to the Netherlands in the quarter-finals.
Montella was also the coach during the period when Turkey's long-standing World Cup longing came to an end. The National Team participated in the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. However, the national team finished last in their group, which included Australia, Paraguay, and the USA, with 3 points.
RISE AND FALL IN THE NATIONS LEAGUE
During the Montella era, the Crescent-Stars were promoted to the UEFA Nations League A for the first time. Having finished second in their group in League B, Turkey played a play-off against Hungary for a ticket to League A and advanced to the higher league by defeating their opponent.
However, the start in League A fell short of expectations. Placed in the same group as France, Italy, and Belgium, the National Team failed to earn any points in their first 4 matches. During this period, Turkey lost 1-0 to France in Kocaeli, 4-1 to Italy in Bursa, 3-0 to Belgium away, and 3-1 to Italy again away.
The heavy results Turkey received under Montella's management also stood out in the period's balance sheet. The national team lost 6-1 to Austria in a friendly match on March 26, 2024, and 6-0 to Spain in a match played in Konya on September 7, 2025. The biggest victory came with a 6-1 score against Bulgaria away on October 11, 2025. Turkey also defeated Latvia and North Macedonia 4-0.
The 52-year-old Montella was recorded as the fourth Italian coach to manage the Turkish National Football Team. Montella, who ranks fourth on the list of coaches with the most matches in charge of the national team with 40 matches, is behind Fatih Terim, who holds the top spot with 135 matches.
News Source: 12punto
