Francesco Calzona has emerged as a candidate for the vacant Turkey national team coaching position following the departure of Vincenzo Montella. The Italian manager, who led Slovakia from August 2022 until April 2026, was proposed to the Turkish Football Federation by his representatives as officials weigh potential successors.
Federation Contact and Calzona’s Stance
Initial outreach to the Turkish Football Federation came directly from Calzona’s agents, placing the 57-year-old on the governing body’s radar. Calzona confirmed the discussions in an interview with the Turkish sports outlet HT Spor. “Of course, if it were the Turkish national team, it would be a great honor for me. After a wonderful period in Slovakia, it would be a privilege to lead Turkey.” His analyst, Marco Brini, added that they are waiting to see how the recruitment process unfolds, according to Pluska’s reporting. Calzona also mentioned that they have contacts from Turkey and that it would be a very good experience.
The Competitive Landscape for the Bench
Calzona is not the only name under consideration in Istanbul. According to reports from Sportnet and Aktuality, the Turkish Football Federation’s primary choice for the post is Arda Turan, who currently manages Shakhtar Doneck. Federation officials are scheduled to hold discussions with alternative candidates like Calzona only if negotiations with Turan do not reach a successful conclusion.
Qualifying Struggles Prompted Coaching Change
The coaching vacancy opened up after Turkey’s campaign in the top tier of the UEFA Nations League suffered a sharp decline. Aktuality reported that the team endured a four-match losing streak in League A, culminating in a combined goal differential of 2 to 11 across those fixtures. That run of results prompted the Turkish Football Federation to immediately terminate its contract with Montella, leaving the federation scrambling to stabilize the squad ahead of upcoming international windows.
Calzona’s Record with Slovakia
Calzona arrives on the market with recent international tournament pedigree. During his tenure with Slovakia from August 2022 to April 2026, he managed 40 matches, securing 19 wins, 8 draws, and 13 losses, as detailed by Pluska. His defining achievement with the team was a 12th-place finish at UEFA Euro 2024, where Slovakia advanced to the Round of 16 before exiting. Aktuality reported that his tenure came to an end in April 2026 following an unsuccessful playoff campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after which the Italian coach stated an intention to take a break from management through the end of the year. In his career path, he previously built his reputation by gaining experience working as a coach or assistant in clubs such as Alessandria, Sorrento, Empoli, Cagliari, and Napoli, where he returned in 2021 before also serving as Napoli’s head coach for less than four months in 2024 alongside his duties with the Slovak national team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Turkish Football Federation dismiss Vincenzo Montella?
The federation parted ways with Montella following a difficult run in the UEFA Nations League A division, where Turkey dropped four consecutive matches and surrendered 11 goals.
Who is considered the primary choice to replace Montella?
Turkish media outlets report that Arda Turan, who currently manages Shakhtar Doneck, stands as the federation’s leading candidate for the position.
How long did Francesco Calzona manage the Slovakia national team?
Calzona served as Slovakia’s head coach from August 2022 to April 2026, directing the team in 40 official matches and reaching the Round of 16 at Euro 2024.
