According to Turkish media outlet Milliyet, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has reportedly decided to dismiss head coach Vincenzo Montella, though this has not yet been officially confirmed. The report states that TFF President Ibrahim Hacıosmanoğlu and his management have made the decision.

Montella has faced heavy criticism following a disappointing World Cup campaign this summer. Turkey, considered a dark horse before the tournament, lost 2-0 to Australia and 1-0 to Paraguay, resulting in an early group stage exit. Four consecutive defeats in the new UEFA Nations League season, many by significant margins, may have made the Italian's departure inevitable.

Montella's side initially held their own in a 1-0 loss to a star-studded France squad, but criticism mounted after a 4-1 defeat to Italy and a 3-0 loss to Belgium. On Monday, Turkey fell 3-1 to Italy in the return leg, making relegation from League A of the Nations League almost certain.

Turkish fans had called for Montella's dismissal after the 3-0 loss to Belgium, but the 52-year-old coach defended himself, saying: "Statistically, it was a balanced match. At this level, you cannot make mistakes. Once you make a mistake, the opponent will not forgive you." Montella then added, regarding the strength of the opponents: "Staying in League A is an honor, not a punishment. So we must continue to improve, perform our best, and keep working hard."

Montella stated that he did not want to "pay too much attention to the current criticism." He said: "With these players, we returned to the World Cup after 24 years and were promoted to League A." Indeed, under Montella's leadership, Turkey qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 2002. He took over in September 2023, succeeding German coach Stefan Kuntz, who had been dismissed. Furthermore, during Montella's tenure, Turkey performed well at Euro 2024, reaching the quarterfinals, where they narrowly lost 2-1 to the Netherlands.

Given a relatively favorable World Cup group that included Australia, Paraguay, and the United States, there were high expectations within Turkey for a squad led by Arda Güler, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, and Kenan Yıldız. The early exit therefore led to even greater disappointment.

Montella's contract was set to run until after Euro 2028, and he was expected to lead the Turkish team in the next major tournament. If his dismissal is ultimately confirmed, it is unclear who will succeed him. The next matches are scheduled for mid-November: Turkey will first host Belgium, then travel to face France, concluding their Nations League group stage.

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