European Championship Qualifiers: Italy U-21 vs. Poland U-21, Probable Lineups

Italy’s Under-21 team is gearing up for its decisive match against Poland, the final game of Group E in the 2027 European Championship qualifiers. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:15 p.m., with Silvio Baldini’s Azzurrini set to battle for first place and the resulting direct qualification to the final tournament, which will be held in Albania and Serbia.

Italy heads into this head-to-head matchup after a strong campaign. Before their away match in Yerevan against Armenia, the Azzurrini had racked up seven wins in their first eight games, losing only once—precisely against Poland in the first leg.

The victory in Armenia allowed Baldini’s team to solidify second place and keep the race for first alive. In Yerevan, Italy prevailed 1-0 at the end of a tough match, decided only in the 95th minute by Cissé’s goal. It was a crucial goal that allowed the Azzurrini to enter the head-to-head matchup still in contention for first place.

The standings show Poland in the lead with 27 points and Italy right behind with 24. The two teams are now certain to occupy the top two spots in the group, but it remains to be seen who will secure the direct berth to the European Championship. In fact, the winners of the nine groups and the best second-place team will advance to the final tournament, making the match between Italy and Poland decisive in avoiding further calculations.

Probable lineups

Italy (4-3-3): Palmisani; Ahanor, Comuzzo, Chiarodia, Bartesaghi; Pisilli, Faticanti, Ndour; Liberali, Cisse, Koleosho. Head Coach: Baldini.

Poland (4-2-3-1)  Lubik; Krajewski, Matysik, Ede, Gurgul; Kowalczyk, Oyedele; Drachal, Mazurek, Pienko; Mikolajewski. Head coach: Brzeczek