Last updated & checked: 10/08/2021
Poland host Italy in the standout UEFA Nations League game tonight, with both sides knowing a victory would seriously ease their chances of relegation from Group A. Poland go into the game on the back of a 3-2 home defeat to Portugal, although the margin of victory for the Iberian side should’ve been far greater in what was a poor display from the hosts.
Meanwhile, Italy, on one point from two games like Poland, didn’t convince with a friendly draw against Ukraine in the week in Genoa. That continues a worrying run of form under new boss Roberto Mancini, with the former Manchester City boss only winning one of his first six games in charge and that was a narrow victory against Saudi Arabia.
Poland vs Italy Prediction: Poland 2-2 Italy
Given both sides need to win, we are expecting a very entertaining game from the clash in Chorzów tonight. Poland are a side stacked with quality in the final third, with Piotr Zielinski, Arkadiusz Milik and Robert Lewandowski sure to give the Italians a real tough test. Yet, they too have quality in the final third, along with two extremely creative midfielders in Jorginho and Marco Verratti, so Mancini’s men will fancy their chances against a Polish defence that isn’t the strongest.
Our recommended tip: BTTS
Given that, we will recommend punters to back BTTS which is a decent price for this encounter. As mentioned, Poland are very weak defensively, with Kamil Glik the experienced leader at the back but even he is past his best now, whilst those around him have struggled to step up. Italy will take confidence from how Portugal managed to score three times in Poland and will see real weaknesses in the hosts backline. Yet, with the front three that we mentioned, Polance always have a chance and can score goals for fun.
Previous matches
This is the 16th meeting between the nations and it’s a fixture that has been very even over the years. Poland have won three times, Italy five, with seven draws. The most recent game between the sides, in September this year, ended all-square in Italy so both sides know what to expect from one another tonight.
Top 3 Nations League Bookies
Players to watch: Robert Lewandowski & Lorenzo Insigne
The Bayern Munich hitman celebrated his 100th cap against Portugal but the night didn’t go to plan for him as not only did the team lose but he was way below par. Lewandowski failed to get involved and was visibly frustrated at the lack of service around him. He will need to do more tonight but will welcome the return of Milik as his partner as the pair have linked up well over the years. The captain is still a major threat and one of the best number nines in the world so will be the one to watch for Poland.
Mancini is starting to change Italy’s style, encouraging a more patient, passing build-up and that should suit Insigne who thrives for Napoli in similar circumstances. Now 27-years-old, he really needs to step up and make a spot in the national team his own and tonight is a great chance for him to deliver for his country in a pretty important game. He should be given the freedom to roam and needs to provide the Italians with a real cutting edge that has been lacking in recent games.
