Prediction: Poland vs Italy

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: Bet365

Two sides still looking to pick up their first win in this years UEFA Nations League, Italy will travel to the Stadion Śląski on Sunday night to face a Poland side who are also struggling with their post-World Cup form.

Poland

Starting with the hosts, much like their visitors on Sunday, Poland are a nation drastically short of form. Finishing bottom of the group out in Russia this summer, new boss Jerzy Brzęczek finds a squad in desperate need of a morale boost. Coming off the back of a 3-2 loss at home to Poland in their second UEFA Nations League opener, the Reds could also only play out a 1-1 draw with Italy last month. While they may have impressed during their qualification run to the World Cup and were unbeaten on home soil, Brzęczek will know his side must improve on their recent defensive record. Along with picking up just a single clean sheet in their last six matches in all competitions, a 4-0 win over Lithuania back in June has been Poland’s only clean sheet at home since November 2017.

Team News

Poland captain Robert Lewandowski earned his 100th cap against Portugal and manager Jerzy Brzeczek is expected to name a similarly strong side to face Italy, with the likes of Wojciech Szczesny, Kamil Gilk and Arkadiusz Milik all included.

Italy

As for the visitors, while they may have turned to former Premier League winning coach Roberto Mancini to help guide them back to a major tournament, it has been far from a dream start for the former Manchester City boss. Coming off the back of another poor showing in their 1-1 draw with Ukraine in midweek, Italy also slumped to a 1-0 loss to Portugal in their UEFA Nations League opener. Now without a win in their last five outings, Mancini’s only win for the Blues came in a close fought 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia back in May. In fact, that win has been the 2006 World Champions only win in their last 10 appearances. Despite an experienced defensive unit including Juventus duo Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini, it will be Italy’s recent defensive issues giving Mancini and the biggest headache. The visitors have failed to record a clean sheet in their last eight matches in all competitions.

Team News

Chelsea midfielder Jorginho is expected to start against Poland, while Nicolo Barella was given his first Italy cap against Ukraine – though is likely to be replaced by Lorenzo Pellegrini or Roberto Gagliardini.

Ciro Immobile could make way for Federico Bernardeschi, while Mario Balotelli has not been included in the squad. Sebastian Giovinco has returned to the side following his first Italy call-up in three years.

Key Factors to Consider

• Italy have now lost four of their last five matches away from home.
• Poland have recorded just one clean sheet in their last six matches on home soil.
• Roberto Mancini’s side are also yet to record a clean sheet in 2018.
• However, they have found the net in all bar one of their matches this year.
• During their World Cup qualification, Poland were unbeaten at home in all of their outings.

Conclusion

Two sides who are in a battle to avoid relegation and with a long list of defensive issues, it has all the makings of a game that should have chances at both ends of the pitch. With both Poland and Italy recording just one clean sheet in their last 14 combined outings, we’re backing both teams to find the net on Sunday.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: Bet365