Poland vs Italy Nations League preview: where to watch, team news
Saturday, October 10, 2020
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Poland face Italy in UEFA Nations League Group 1 – all you need to know.
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Poland face Italy in UEFA Nations League Group 1 in Gdansk on Sunday 11 October at 20:45 CET.
Where to watch the game on TV
Fans can find their local UEFA Nations League broadcast partner(s) here
As they stand
• Poland lost 1-0 in the Netherlands in their opening game but triumphed 2-1 in Bosnia and Herzegovina in their second. Robert Lewandowski was rested for these initial matches.
• Unbeaten in 16 games (W13 D3), Italy top Group A1 after two outings; they drew 1-1 at home in their opener against the Bosnians, then beat the Netherlands 1-0 in Amsterdam, Nicolò Barella getting the winner.
Previous meetings
• Poland’s record in 16 previous meetings with Italy is W3 D7 L6; they drew 1-1 in Bologna but lost 1-0 in Chorzow when the teams were paired in the 2018/19 UEFA Nations League.
• This is Poland’s first competitive match in Gdansk since a 0-0 EURO qualifying draw against Cyprus in April 1987; they are without a win in their last five games in the city (D2 L3), scoring just once in those fixtures.
What the coaches say
Jerzy Brzęczek, Poland coach: "Without a doubt, the Italians deserve praise. The Italians have won 14 of their last 16 games. However, we are looking forward to this match, because I am satisfied with the way the players have been performing. Looking at the development of the team, we have made a step forward. Maybe not as big as the Italian team, but I am satisfied. I know how much work is ahead of us and where our shortcomings are. I'm encouraged by the team's attitude."
Roberto Mancini, Italy coach: "I had hoped the team would improve game by game and that is what happened. The lads deserve credit, as they learned very quickly what they needed to do. Nobody likes to be on the bench, everyone wants to play, that is only natural. We play a certain type of football and it has been giving good results, so someone has to sit it out. Kean is in fairly good shape, we let him play for 20 minutes on Wednesday against Moldova. We'll see."
Next up
14/10: Poland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
14/10: Italy vs Netherlands