Poland Coach Jerzy Brzeczek makes his debut against Italy in the Nations League and feels “both are in a similar situation.”
The opening game of a group that also includes Portugal will kick off at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT) in Bologna on Friday.
“It is my first game and we will start a new chapter with some new people,” said Brzeczek in his Press conference.
He left the Wisla Plock job in July to take over the national team after a disappointing group stage exit in the 2018 World Cup.
Poland Coach Jerzy Brzeczek makes his debut against Italy in the Nations League and feels “both are in a similar situation.”
The opening game of a group that also includes Portugal will kick off at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT) in Bologna on Friday.
“It is my first game and we will start a new chapter with some new people,” said Brzeczek in his Press conference.
He left the Wisla Plock job in July to take over the national team after a disappointing group stage exit in the 2018 World Cup.
“It will be interesting to play against Italy, as both teams are in a similar situation. Poland did not do as well as people expected at the World Cup, and Italy – a giant of world football – did not qualify at all.”
Roberto Mancini favoured the introduction of the UEFA Nations League format, replacing often irrelevant friendlies and shortening the qualification process for Euro 2020.
“Aside from final tournaments, I cannot remember Poland getting to play big teams as often [as in the Nations League]. It is a good test which will show immediately whether my choices are the right ones.
“I want to see how much we have grown. Italy are the favourites going into this game, but we have no fear. I want us to play with humility and determination.
“I won’t look at the past. We have a lot of potential in this squad and we must concentrate on the present.”
Among the brightest talents in the Poland line-up is Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski.
“He is having a very good season at Napoli and I hope he can confirm that form at international level too. He is a reference point for us.”