Prague begins again under unfamiliar guidance on a night that brings two new national-team eras together. Santi Denia, the first foreign coach appointed by the Czech Republic, takes charge for the first time when Croatia arrive for a Nations League meeting at 20:45, with Luka Modric still carrying the visitors’ colours at 41.
A reset after the World Cup
The Czech Football Association turned to Denia after a disappointing World Cup campaign ended with the side bottom of its group on one point, leading to Miroslav Koubek’s dismissal. The former Spain youth coach now inherits a squad reshaped by retirement, injuries and a demand for a quicker return to competitive form.
Denia arrives with a substantial international youth record. He previously led Spain’s Under-17 and Under-19 teams, then guided the Spanish Under-23 side to Olympic gold at Paris 2024. That squad included Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Alex Baena, Fermin Lopez and Sergio Camello.
- Denia had a brief coaching spell in Qatar before accepting the Czech post.
- Former Atletico Madrid midfielder Radek Bejbl joins his staff as assistant coach.
- Patrik Schick is no longer available after ending his international career.
Injuries open the door for newcomers
The new coach’s opening selection has been reduced by a lengthy injury list. David Zima, David Jurasek, Robin Vlcek, Lukas Provod, Tomas Chory and Matyas Visinsky were already absent, and Matej Rynes has since joined them.
Those departures create an immediate opportunity for four players seeking their first senior Czech caps.
- Krickfalusi
- Slama
- Vasulin
- Subert, currently the leading scorer in the Czech league
Croatia also start a new chapter
Croatia travel with a changed bench of their own. Slaven Bilic has returned as coach, 14 years after his previous spell in the role, while Modric and goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic provide familiar experience on the pitch.
The fixture is part of the Nations League group also containing Spain and England, making the Prague encounter an early marker for both of the competition’s newly installed managers.
Denia will not have long to wait for a reunion with Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, a close friend from their years in Spanish football. The two are due to meet on Saturday, 3 October, when the Czech Republic face Spain at Oviedo’s Carlos Tartiere in the third round of the group stage.
