World Cup

Only One Serie A Player Included in the Draft

20 September 2026·5 min read·María Nieves Gómez
Only One Serie A Player Included in the Draft

Vincenzo Montella chose the Turkiye squad with only one Serie A player against Italy, due to the injury of Hakan Calhanoglu and Kenan Yildiz. The team's game will definitely change in the Nations League.

Only One Serie A Player Included in the Draft

According to Sports.

Context

Zeki Celik, currently playing for Juventus, is the only Serie A representative in the Turkiye squad. His role as a right-back will be critical, especially with the loss of experienced players like Hakan Calhanoglu and Kenan Yildiz. His defensive skills and leadership are expected to inspire younger players in the national team.

Why it matters

Turkey's match against Italy in the Nations League is an important opportunity for the team to show their ability in front of a strong opponent. Despite injuries to key players such as Hakan Calhanoglu and Kenan Yildiz, the presence of Zeki Celik from Serie A gives hope to their defence. This match is not only about the current campaign but also the preparation for the next FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

Key Points

  • Only One Serie A Player Included in the Draft.
  • A new Turkish face will be seen in the Nations League led by coach Vincenzo Montella.
  • Turkey team for Nations League games including Italy has one Serie A player.
Juventus' Zeki Celik is the only Serie A representative in head coach Vincenzo Montella's roster for Turkey when they face a strong Italian side in the upcoming UEFA Nations League match. Montella's decision became important because two experienced players of the Turkish national team, Hakan Calhanoglu and Kenan Yildiz, were not included due to their injuries. Calhanoglu, who is one of Turkey's most valuable and accurate midfielders and current star of Inter Milan, is known for his ability to control the game and create offense from the back. His absence, along with Yildiz who is also a rising young star from Juventus, will certainly open up more questions about Turkey's composition and strategy against the Italians. The only representation from Serie A is Zeki Celik, a stalwart Juventus right-back, who now has the added responsibility of leading the defense and inspiring new players in the national team. Despite Montella's confidence in Celik, many expect the team to look different over the course of the current Nations League campaign due to the lack of experience of other players against powerhouses such as Italy. This match is important for Turkiye, not only for the team's current preparation on the international stage, but also as part of a wider plan for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. With the loss of some of their strongest weapons, expect the match to be even tighter and more tactical. Montella and Turkiye fans hope that their stars can recover and quickly serve the team again especially as the next important tournaments are approaching. For football fans and followers in the Philippines, these changes on the international stage are important because it can be an indication of the course of the competition for the Nations League and even the World Cup qualifiers. Despite the small number of Serie A players at the moment, Turkey's determination to show their strength and unity against Italy is unwavering.

What's next

It is expected to be a big challenge for Zeki Celik to lead the Turkish defense in the match against Italy. His experience in Serie A could be key to developing a solid strategy against the Italians. The result of this match could set the tone for the rest of their Nations League campaign and future matches on the international stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the only Serie A player in the Turkey squad against Italy?

Juventus' Zeki Celik is the only Serie A player on the roster selected by head coach Vincenzo Montella for Turkey's match against Italy.

Why are Hakan Calhanoglu and Kenan Yildiz not included in the Turkiye squad?

Hakan Calhanoglu and Kenan Yildiz are not included in the Turkiye squad due to their injuries.

What is the role of Zeki Celik in the Turkiye national team?

Zeki Celik is a solid right-back and has the added responsibility of leading the defense and inspiring the a novice player.

Why is Turkey's match against Italy important in the Nations League?

This match is important for Turkey as part of their preparation for the international stage and the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

What is expected of Turkey's strategy against Italy?

Due to the lack of experience of the other players, Turkey's match against powerhouses like Italy is expected to be tight and tactical.

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Mga Madalas na Itanong

Who is the only Serie A player in the Turkey squad against Italy?
Zeki Celik of Juventus is the only Serie A player on the roster selected by head coach Vincenzo Montella for Turkey's match against Italy.
Why are Hakan Calhanoglu and Kenan Yildiz not included in the Turkiye squad?
Hakan Calhanoglu and Kenan Yildiz were not included in the Turkiye squad due to their injuries.
What is Zeki Celik's role in the Turkiye national team?
Zeki Celik is a solid right-back and has the added responsibility of leading the defense and inspiring new players.
Why is the match between Turkey and Italy important in the Nations League?
This match is important for Turkey as part of their preparation for the international stage and the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
What is expected of Turkey's strategy against Italy?
Due to the lack of experience of other players, Turkey's match against powerhouses like Italy is expected to be tight and tactical.
World Cup 2026Nations LeagueSerie ATurkiyeItalyZeki CelikHakan CalhanogluKenan Yildiz

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