Turkey parts ways with Vincenzo Montella: agreement reached on severance pay

Four losses in the first four Nations League matches, and Vincenzo Montella’s tenure with Turkey comes to an end. The former “Aeroplanino,” praised at the start of the year for leading the Istanbul squad back to the World Cup, had already come under fire from the press during the World Cup in North America, where Turkey disappointed by being eliminated in the group stage.

The four losses to France, Belgium, and Italy (twice) proved to be fatal. According to Milliyet, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has decided to terminate its contract with the Italian coach. President Ibrahim Hacıosmanoglu and the TFF leadership had extended Montella’s contract through the 2028 European Championship and had strongly defended him even after the World Cup, but they were finally convinced to dismiss him following the recent difficult weeks: A settlement for the termination of his contract and severance pay has reportedly already been agreed upon.

Montella, who earns a salary of 2.2 million euros per year, is rumored to be receiving compensation equal to five months’ salary, just over 900,000 euros. The former Roma and Sampdoria forward led Turkey in 40 matches—including official matches and friendlies—with a record of 21 wins, 5 draws, and 14 losses.

In their last seven matches, however—including World Cup and Nations League games—the team has won only once. Already after the first heavy defeat in Istanbul against Italy, the Turkish press had been clamoring for the coach’s resignation.