Italy Under-21 arrive in Pescara for the decisive final evening of their European Championship qualifying group with no room for calculation. Silvio Baldini’s side have collected 24 points, three fewer than Poland, and must beat the group leaders by at least two goals at the Adriatico-Giovanni Cornacchia Stadium to take first place and secure direct entry to the finals.
The margin is essential because Poland won the first meeting between the sides. Pisilli and his team-mates therefore need both victory and a two-goal swing when kick-off comes at 18:15, in a match that will decide whether Italy can avoid relying on any route beyond automatic qualification.
For Baldini, the venue carries a recent personal memory. In June 2025 he guided Pescara back into Serie B at this same ground, overcoming Ternana on penalties in the play-off final. He returns to the Adriatico-Cornacchia with a different badge on his chest, but with another high-stakes contest awaiting him in front of the Pescara crowd.
Teams selected for the decisive group match
Italy begin in a 4-3-3 formation. Palmisani is in goal, protected by Ahanor, Comuzzo, Chiarodia and Bartesaghi. Pisilli, Faticanti and Ndour make up the midfield, while Liberali, Cisse and Koleosho lead the attacking line.
Baldini can call upon goalkeeper Giovanni Daffara, as well as Lipani, Calvani, Cherubini, Camarda, Berti, Fini, Moruzzi and Lulli from the bench.
Poland coach Jerzy Brzęczek has opted for a 4-2-3-1 system, with Lubik starting in goal. Krajewski, Monka, Ede and Gurgul form the defence; Kocaba and Kowalczyk are set behind the advanced trio of Urbanski, Mazurek and Pienko, with Bak chosen as the central forward.
Poland’s available substitutes include Zych, Drapiński, Matysik, Żewłakow, Mikołajewski, Luberecki, Oyedele, Drachal and Duda. Their advantage in the table gives them a stronger starting position, but Italy’s task is clear: turn Pescara into the setting for the result that sends them directly to the European Championship.
