The surprises prepared by Vincenzo Montella for the play-off » In which system could Turkey play against Romania
Article by Daniel Scorpie – Published on Tuesday, 24 March 2026 21:34 / Updated on Tuesday, 24 March 2026 21:35
Turkey's national team is said to already have a starting line-up for the 2026 World Cup qualifier semi-final. Istanbul media revealed that coach Vincenzo Montella would start Thursday's clash without a centre-forward, while captain Hakan Calhanoglu would be promoted from close behind fake new Arda Guler.
Turkey will attack us on Thursday evening, at Beşiktaş's stadium, without a professional central striker! And it is not the only surprise that Vincenzo Montella would have in the plan for the semi-final play-off with Romania for qualification to the World Cup in North America in the summer.
The Turkish press went behind the scenes of the preparations carried out in the training camp of the national team by Vincenzo Montella and found out which players would catch the first eleven and what will be the game system thought by the Italian coach in the game in Istanbul.
Vincenzo Montella, the coach of Turkey // photo: Imago
“Montella is assessing his opponent's strengths and weaknesses ahead of the tough match with Romania and has largely settled his starting line-up. Barring any injuries in the next two days, the experienced coach will stick to his already chosen line-up.
“Montella will opt for a striker-less formation, unlike Turkey's recent matches, and will use a 4-6-0 formation”
However, the Turkey coach has also identified alternatives in case of injuries. Montella will opt for a formula without a striker, unlike in recent matches, and will play with a 4-6-0 formation”.
The same source claims that Mert Müldür, Ozan Kabak, Abdülkerim Bardakcı and Ferdi Kadıoğlu will play the Italian in front of goalkeeper Uğurcan. İsmail and Orkun will be in closing, protecting this defensive quartet.
Arda Guler is Turkey's new generation star / Photo: Instagram vraimerengue
Barış Alper Yılmaz will be the right wing and Kenan Yıldız will play on the opposite wing. Captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu will be advanced from his usual position and will be in the center behind Arda Güler, who will be used as a false nine”.
