Not long ago, Turkish coach Montella accepted an interview with Italian Sky and stated that he had requested Serie A to suspend the game in March to prepare for the play-offs.

Montra said: "I have officially requested the Italian Football Association to suspend the season in March. I will be very happy if this can be realized because I have three players in Italy. This way we can better prepare for the play-offs. Even Gattuso will be happy about this..."

In the play-offs, Turkey drew Romania and Italy drew Northern Ireland.