Lively Poland sink Azzurri

Minute's silence
However, the game was overshadowed by a bombing in Iraq which led to the deaths of 16 Italian military and police personnel, two Italian civilians and nine Iraqis. Players held a minute's silence before the match as a mark of respect for the victims. The Poles failed to qualify for UEFA EURO 2004™ after finishing third in qualifying Group 4, but put in a vibrant display against an Italian side that will be in Portugal next summer after topping Group 10.

Main threat
Polish wingers Krzynówek and Kamil Kosowski were the main threats early on but it was defender Bak who opened the scoring after just six minutes, beating goalkeeper Francesco Toldo from 15 metres following a corner. Another defender, Klos, doubled the advantage in the 18th minute, glancing Krzynówek's free-kick into the net with his head. Straight from the restart the 21-year-old Cassano, long touted as the bright young creative hope of Italian football, pulled a goal back after superbly rounding Poland goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek.

Krzynowek goal
After the interval both sides made a rash of substitutions and the game was petering out until the 85th minute when Krzynówek scored after an initial shot had hit the post. "They were much more determined in the first phase of the match," said Italy coach Giovanni Trappattoni, before playing tribute to Cassano's performance. "I really enjoyed watching him tonight."

'Something amazing'
Meanwhile, Poland coach Pawel Janas was understandably elated. "I must thank my players," he said. "Not every match with Italy can be won, so we are happy. I never thought we could beat them 3-1. To score three against Italy is something amazing."

Next up
The Polish face Serbia and Montenegro in Plock in another friendly on Sunday, while the Italians continue their EURO 2004™ preparations the same day with a date against Romania in Ancona.