The Turkish Football Federation has formally announced the dismissal of Vincenzo Montella from his position as head coach of the Turkish national team, following four consecutive losses at the start of his Nations League campaign.

Montella had been in charge of the Turkish national team since September 2023 and had secured qualification for both EURO 2024 and the 2026 World Cup. The European Championship run ended with a 2-1 defeat to Austria in the round of 16, while Turkey was eliminated from the World Cup at the conclusion of the group stage.

The four most recent matches played by Turkey after the World Cup also ended in defeat. Placed in the same Nations League group as Italy, Montella’s side lost twice to the Azzurri during the September and October international breaks.

Turkey was also beaten away 3-0 by Belgium and lost at home 1-0 to France in the Nations League matches played in recent weeks.

Absences are not enough to save Montella’s job

During the September-October international break, Montella had to do without three of his most important players: captain Hakan Calhanoglu, Juventus talent Kenan Yildiz, and young Real Madrid star Arda Güler.

The absences, however, were not enough to prevent his dismissal. The Turkish Football Federation confirmed the decision through a statement published on Friday afternoon on its official website.

“It has been decided that Mr. Vincenzo Montella will not continue in charge of our national team,” reads the brief note released by the TFF.