Ahead of Turkey's home Matchday 2 UEFA Nations League group stage match against Italy, Turkish national team coach Montella—who will face his former country—gave an interview to Sky Sport Italia.

Italy is perhaps the national team you least want to face, given the special circumstances we're experiencing right now. What kind of match will this be?

But this will undoubtedly be...

Will the result be decisive?

I don't know if it will be decisive, but it's certainly a very important match from every angle—tactically and in terms of style of play. For me personally, this will undoubtedly be an emotional match with emotional ups and downs. I wouldn't actively choose to be drawn against Italy, but I will give everything for Turkey because they welcomed me, accepted me, and supported me, always making me feel part of the family. So when the whistle blows to start the match, I will give my all and show my best for the country I coach.

Some observers have suggested that given the enormous pressure you're under right now—though we all bear some pressure—did Montella become "Turkish" too quickly? Or did he adapt too quickly in terms of pragmatism and utilitarianism? Do you feel this yourself?

No, I don't think so. I actually integrated and adapted quickly to the mentality here because it's very similar to southern Italy, where I lived in my youth, so it was easy for me to integrate.

So what kind of Turkey will we see? You currently have quite a few injuries and absences. Can you help us understand what Turkey looks like now, especially considering the performances we've seen before? Does Turkey's attacking play almost entirely revolve around Arda Güler?

Honestly, I never like to reveal or announce the lineup before a match, and I certainly don't want to do so now. No, no, we will definitely make some adjustments. Playing four matches of this caliber in 11 days makes squad rotation unavoidable. We do have some very crucial and significant injuries and absences, and even if we were only playing two matches, the impact of these players' absence would be clearly visible. But this is also an opportunity to observe and evaluate the performance of other players on the pitch. I personally believe strongly in gradual progress, in the gradual promotion and integration of certain young players and talents, and that's what we're currently doing. As for further details, I can't reveal them.

What makes Arda Güler so special?

As a player, he can observe and make tactical decisions and passing lanes on the field that other players cannot see or think of. He's constantly adapting and developing very rapidly, both with and without the ball. In short, he's a player with unlimited potential for growth; he has extraordinary ambition, drive, and talent.

It reminds me of the talent of the Sampdoria attacking duo from the 1996/1997 season—Mancini and Montella...

Yes, they were special players. If I could play with Güler, I would certainly enjoy it immensely, just as I did playing with Roberto (Mancini) back then. Both are the type of players who really want to give you brilliant passes and help you score. For me, they are perfect attacking partners.

Indeed. So, as a former striker, what thoughts go through your mind facing a goalkeeper like Donnarumma? You've probably studied him before the first match, but he's undoubtedly one of our top stars...

Undoubtedly, as I said in my pre-match interview, if I could remove one player from Italy's squad, Donnarumma is the one I'd most want to remove. He's a phenomenal player. In short, his defensive range and his blocking technique in front of goal are extraordinary.

Final question: Mancini previously praised you, saying your goal-scoring instinct is unmatched. Would you like to respond to that?

I also have a very sharp and keen instinct for his brilliant passes (laughs).

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