The city of Bologna is once again ready to support the Under-21 National Team. Three days after their debut against Spain, the Azzurrini now welcome Poland to the Dall’Ara tomorrow evening, with a space in the semi-finals up for grabs.

With a squad that was already united and determined, Coach Luigi Di Biagio said today that beating Spain has only enhanced his team’s morale: “It’ll be like a last 16 game against Poland. First of all, we can’t and mustn’t slip up, while we’ll then wait to see what happens in the other game. I’ve been watching my lads over the past few days, looking at how they listen, recover and train and I’m calm.”

Without discussing details of his starting line-up, the Coach did reveal that he must still analyse some members of the squad after the tiresome game against Spain: “There are six or seven players whose fitness I still must assess. There are 30 hours remaining and there’s still a bit more time to decide, however, I must pay close attention. Changes? Maybe two or three, we’ll see.”

In addition to his current experience as Head Coach, Di Biagio today recalled memories of Italia 90: “It seems to me that we’re reliving some of those unforgettable nights when we were accompanied by the fans along the way,” he added. “These lads were not even born but I still feel the same desire to belong, as well as a desire from the fans to celebrate together with us. The atmosphere that we experienced in Bologna was incredible, it left me stunned. We now need to ride the wave.”

Italy last played Poland during a friendly in Krakow in March 2017, finishing 2-1 to the Azzurrini thanks to a Lorenzo Pellegrini brace.

Schedule for the European Championship

Tuesday 18 June 2019

15:30 UEFA press conference at the Stadio Dall’Ara

17:30 Training at Casteldebole (first 15 minutes open to the press)

Wednesday 19 June 2019

21:00 ITALY – POLAND at the Stadio Dall’Ara in Bologna

Thursday 20 June 2019

16:30 Meeting with the press (player)

17:30 Training at Casteldebole (first 15 minutes open to the press)

Friday 21 June 2019

10:45 Training at Casteldebole (first 15 minutes open to the press)

18:00 Transfer to the Stadio Città del Tricolore

19:15 Walk around at the Stadio Città del Tricolore before then heading to the Hotel Boiardo

19:30 UEFA press conference at the Stadio Città del Tricolore

Saturday 22 June 2019

21:00 BELGIUM – ITALY at the Stadio Città del Tricolore in Reggio Emilia

Saturday 23 June 2019

Players depart from the squad should they be eliminated.

Olympic Play-Off

28 June 21:00 in Cesena

European Championship final 30 June 2019

20:45 Stadio Friuli in Udine