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There are plenty of possible scenarios to consider, but one message has been drilled into Baldini’s players ever since he took charge of the Under-21s: “Guys, your biggest opponent is yourselves.” Ultimately, Italy’s fate remains in their own hands, regardless of the strength of the opposition they face on Monday evening at the Stadio Adriatico in Pescara (kickoff at 18:15 CEST, live on Rai 2). A two-goal win over Poland would guarantee the Azzurrini top spot in the group and qualification for the European Championship. Even a one-goal victory would leave them with a strong chance of qualifying, as Greece, their main rival for the best runner-up spot across all qualifying groups, would need to win away to Northern Ireland by at least five goals on the same evening.
PALMISANI, A SAFE PAIR OF HANDS. Everything is set for a big night of football, with the Azzurrini coming off a last-gasp win in a tricky match against Armenia. Cisse’s goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time kept their hopes of finishing top alive. Italy also kept another clean sheet, making it three in a row and five overall in Group E of the European Championship qualifiers. When a team isn’t conceding goals, it usually comes down to two things: a well-organised defence that works like clockwork and a top-class goalkeeper. Italy has both. “I have a really strong defense in front of me, which means I don’t have to make too many saves,” Italy Under-21 goalkeeper Lorenzo Palmisani said from Tirrenia. His strong start to the season with Frosinone and his performances for the Under-21s have been attracting plenty of attention. “I have to admit, I’m enjoying a great spell. Maybe it’s come a little unexpectedly, but this is only the beginning, and I want to keep it going.”
FROM ARMENIA TO POLAND. Palmisani had very little to do against Armenia, but whenever he was called into action, he was ready. “It was a difficult game. Their low defensive block made it hard to break through and find space, but we did well to keep pushing until the very end. That’s one of our main strengths: we never give up, and it’s no coincidence that we managed to win with the last shot of the game.” The challenge gets tougher against a rock-solid Poland side that has won every game so far. Their 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture handed Italy its only defeat of the qualifying campaign, opening up a gap that the Azzurrini now hope to close at the Stadio Adriatico. “It’ll be another difficult game. There’s a lot at stake, but we’re approaching it calmly, knowing we’ve prepared well. We’re coming to Pescara full of enthusiasm and eager to celebrate with our fans. We’ve grown a lot over the past year and become more confident in ourselves, which gives us the belief to go out there and win. Baldini gives us the freedom to be ourselves, and that’s our greatest strength.”
