Italy are looking to put the 2018 World Cup qualification disaster behind with a new coach and some young blood in the squad.
Roberto Mancini takes over Italy reign
Roberto Mancini was the one selected to replace Gian Piero Ventura. All eyes will be on him when Italy takes the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara pitch in Bologna and faces off against Poland. The memories of Italy’s failure are still fresh and the only way to erase them would be to qualify for the 2020 European Championship. The UEFA Nations League provides such an opportunity and is one Mancini must take advantage of if he wants to remove the target on his back.
Bet on UEFA Nation League Italy vs Poland with bet365
Jerzy Brzeczek set for managerial debut
The quest begins against Poland, a side coming off a disappointing World Cup performance in which they finished at the bottom of Group H behind Colombia, Japan and Senegal. After losing the first two contests, Adam Nawalka’s team managed to steal a victory at the end but it wasn’t enough for him to stay in charge of his country. Jerzy Brzeczek takes over and his main priority will be to teach his players how to get the ball to Robert Lewandowski.
The striker was left frustrated due to a lack of midfield support during the tournament in Russia, so he’ll be eager to link up with Brzeczek, who is a former midfielder, in hopes of restoring his goalscoring streak. Mancini, on his part, will do everything to make sure Lewandowski doesn’t find the net on Friday. The former Manchester City and Inter manager has called up several youngsters in an attempt to refresh the squad. Italy has fared well in his first three friendly games in charge, defeating Saudi Arabia, before losing to France and drawing with the Netherlands.
Bet on UEFA Nation League Italy vs Poland with bet365
Italy vs Poland H2H
These two have met only twice since the turn of the new millennium and both matches finished with the road team coming out on top. Draws have been the most common outcome in their H2H history, with six of them compared to five Italy wins and three Poland victories.
Italy vs Poland Bet365 Odds
Both teams have scored in only one of the last eight encounters between Italy and Poland, with four of them ending as goalless draws. Check out bet365.com’s official website for more Italy vs Poland odds.
Italy vs Poland Prediction
Italy is the clear favourite with the bookmakers, mostly because everybody expects them to bounce back and because of the transition period, Poland will probably experience under a new head coach. Even though the odds and the stadium are in The Azzurri’s favour, don’t sleep on the Poles. They have several squad members who forge their trade on the Apennine Peninsula and will be prepared for the 20:45 CET encounter.