The 2022 World Cup match between Poland and Mexico feels almost like a Serie A fixture, seeing as there are six Italy-based players in the Polish starting XI, including one born in the Peninsula.
The Azzurri might not be in Qatar, but there is still plenty of interest for fans of Italian football.
Poland’s squad is packed with Serie A talent and six of them have made it into the starting XI for the opening game against Mexico, which kicks off at 16.00 GMT.
Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, Sampdoria defender Bartosz Bereszynski, Benevento’s Kamil Glik – who is in Serie B this season – Spezia centre-back Jakub Kiwior, Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski and Roma wing-back Nicola Zalewski.
It is Zalewski who is particularly relevant, as he was born and raised in Italy to Polish parents and could’ve represented the Azzurri.
However, it was his father’s great wish to see Nicola play for Poland, something the 20-year-old achieved just weeks before his dad succumbed to a long illness.
There is also Serie A representation in the Mexico side with Napoli striker Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano.
Poland: Szczesny; Bereszynski, Glik, Kiwior; Cash, Kaminski, Krychowiak, S Szymanski, Zielinski, Zalewski; Lewandowski
Poland: Szczesny; Bereszynski, Glik, Kiwior; Cash, Kaminski, Krychowiak, S Szymanski, Zielinski, Zalewski; Lewandowski
Mexico: Ochoa; Sanchez, Moreno, Montes, Jesus Gallardo; Alvarez, Herrera, Chavez; Lozano, Martin, Vega