The Turkish Football Federation is set to dismiss national team head coach Vincenzo Montella following a dismal run of results that includes four consecutive losses in the UEFA Nations League and a group-stage exit at the World Cup, according to reports in Turkish media. The Italian manager, who signed a contract extension in June 2025 to run through the end of Euro 2028, will close out a three-year tenure highlighted by a World Cup qualification and a run to the Euro 2024 quarterfinals.
The Results That Triggered the Decision
The sporting downturn that doomed Montella’s tenure accelerated sharply in the autumn. A disastrous Nations League campaign featuring four straight defeats — including home-and-away losses to Italy, alongside setbacks against France and Belgium — irreparably fractured the relationship between the manager and the federation’s leadership. Turkey’s struggles extend back to the World Cup, where the team qualified for the tournament 24 years after the last one but failed to advance past the group stage.
Across 40 matches in charge since his appointment in September 2023, Montella compiled 21 wins, 5 draws, and 14 defeats. However, the final stretch of his reign saw the team collapse, losing six of their last seven fixtures. His final match on the Turkey bench was the recent defeat against Italy at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara in Bologna.
Financial Terms of the Separation
Turkish media outlets, including the newspaper Milliyet, report that the federation will settle the remaining terms of Montella’s contract with a severance package worth five months of his salary. With Montella earning 183,000 euros per month, the total payout will amount to 915,000 euros. While the formal dismissal had not yet received official confirmation from governing bodies, reports indicate the separation is expected to be finalized on Friday.
Ibrahim Haciosmaoglu resists pressure while Arda Turan emerges as candidate
The mounting crisis has also targeted Turkish Football Federation President Ibrahim Haciosmaoglu, who faced heavy public criticism over the national team’s slide, though reports indicate he has no intention of stepping down. Meanwhile, federation officials have already turned their attention toward a successor. Reports from Turkish media indicate that Arda Turan, currently managing Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk, stands as the leading candidate to take over the managerial post.
When was Vincenzo Montella hired and what are his terms?
When was Vincenzo Montella originally hired by Turkey?
Montella took over as the head coach of the Turkish national team in September 2023, initially signing a three-year agreement before inking an extension in June 2025 that tied him to the federation through the end of Euro 2028.
What were the financial terms of his departure?
According to reports from Turkish media outlets such as Milliyet, Montella will receive a severance package equivalent to five months of his salary. Given his monthly earnings of 183,000 euros, the total payout comes out to 915,000 euros.
Who is the leading candidate to replace Montella?
Turkish press reports indicate that Arda Turan, who currently serves as the manager of Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk, is the top choice for the position.
What was Montella’s overall record with the national team?
In 40 total matches across official fixtures and friendlies, Montella recorded 21 victories, 5 draws, and 14 defeats. The decision to dismiss him followed a severe slump of six losses in his final seven matches.
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