It's very tight at the top of League A1 in the UEFA Nations League as three teams are still in the race for the playoffs. Of the three teams, Italy and Poland renew their acquaintance this weekend and will be looking to get a positive result from this highly-anticipated encounter.
Both sides played out goalless encounter last time they met much to the despair of heir supporters and neutrals alike. However, we expect goals to come by for this one as both sides will go into this game with only the three points in mind. It is to be noted that Poland hasn't managed a victory against the Italians over the past four meetings. Will they manage to beak he jinx this Sunday?
Feisty encounter on the cards
Poland, Italy, and The Netherlands are still well in the race for the Nations League playoffs next year. The Poles currently lead the way with seven points from four games. Italy is in second with six while the Dutch are in third with five points. As such, from now on, every single thing counts as goal difference might also in play here.
The Poles look like the teams on the up as they head into this game in search of their fifth win in seven games. With two wins on the bounce, confidence will certainly be high in Brzeczek's camp. A comfortable 2-0 win against Ukraine in an international friendly last Wednesday further buttresses that fact. Will they carry that same momentum as they head to the Mapei Stadium?
The Italians, on the other hand, are still unbeaten in the group stage but haven't picked up all three points in three of the four group stage games. As such, questions are to be asked of their attacking players as they have managed just three goals in this period. The Italian faithful will certainly hope they're as free-scoring as they were in their most recent game against Estonia. However, it is to be noted that the Poles are a much bigger fish to fry compared to their opponents from the last game.
Italy vs Poland Team News
Italy possible starting XI:
Donnarumma; Florenzi, Bonucci, Acerbi, Biraghi; Jorginho, Barella, Locatelli; Insigne, Immobile, Chiesa
Poland possible starting XI:
Szczesny; Bereszynski, Walukiewicz, Glik, Kedziora; Krychowiak, Klicg; Syzmanski, Zielinski, Grosicki; Lewandowski
Italy vs Poland Prediction: 1-1
The Poles have looked impressive in recent weeks and as a result, have managed to stand their ground against two powerhouses of international football. Mancini and his troops, on the other hand, have been decent at the back but sometimes clueless in the final third.
As a result, we don't see a clear winner for this game with both teams, at the moment, well on par.