First defeat for Gigi Di Biagio's Under 21 national team at the European Championships in their category. In Bologna, the Italian team was beaten 1-0 by Poland. The match-winning goal came in the 40th minute by Bielik. Free kick taken by Kownacki, a deflection off the wall favours the defender who beats Meret with a first-time shot. In the second half, Tonali's best chance ended just over the crossbar. Next match on Saturday against Belgium. After their debut success against Spain, the Azzurri suffered a bitter defeat by a narrow margin against Poland (1-0), who won again and took first place in Group A with full points. Bielik's goal in the first half was the deciding factor, but the Azzurrini were very unlucky as they had a goal disallowed, hit the post and created many chances that were never completed. Now with Belgium (already eliminated) a victory will be needed at all costs. Di Biagio made four changes to the lineup compared to the debut match against Spain, two in defense and two in attack: Adjapong and Bastoni take the place of Calabresi and Bonifazi, forming the rearguard to support Meret together with Mancini and Dimarco; Barella, Mandragora and Pellegrini are confirmed in midfield, while up front the immovable Chiesa alongside Cutrone and Orsolini who start as starters in place of Kean and Zaniolo. The Azzurrini started off with great conviction, doing well to immediately put Poland under pressure with continuous outbursts on both flanks. The first shot on goal was by the usual unstoppable Chiesa, who came back on his right foot and tried to place it on the far post, but without finding the target. The Polish response came in the 11th minute: Zurkowski played a pass to Bielik, whose first-time shot was deflected into a corner by the Azzurri defence. At the half-hour mark, two great scoring opportunities for Italy, first with Chiesa, who was closed down very well by Grabara's exit at the moment of the conclusion, then an even clearer one with Mandragora, who, on an assist from Chiesa himself, effectively missed a penalty in motion. In the 40th minute, Poland froze the Dall'Ara: Kownacki's free kick was deflected by the wall, the ball bounced onto Bielik's left foot and he found the winning shot on first intention to surprise Meret. 1-0 for the red and whites but Italy is not having it and would have found the equaliser in the 44th minute with Orsolini, if it were not for an irregular position by the Bologna player at the start of the action. Lots of chances but no goals for Di Biagio's team, who found themselves undeservedly behind at half-time. At the start of the second half, the Azzurri continued their insistent push, but the goal defended by Grabara seemed truly bewitched: Pellegrini wasted his chance from a few steps away, then the Polish goalkeeper was providential on Chiesa's fantastic left-footed volley. Bad luck returned again in the 76th minute, when Pellegrini unleashed a powerful right-footed shot that hit the post, saving Poland. In the final part of the match there was very little play, Italy attempted the last assaults but there was nothing to be done. The red and whites win and celebrate.
EDITORIAL TEAM
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