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Alessandro Florenzi started both Italy games during this week’s international break, as Roberto Mancini’s side showed signs of developoment during a 1-0 win over Poland on Sunday night.
After a 1-1 friendly draw against Ukraine last week – during which Florenzi played 85 minutes – the versatile Giallorossi vice-captain was once again deployed at right-back as the Azzurri faced Poland in an important Nations League clash.
Mancini’s side impressed with their play, as Florenzi pushed forward into a number of attacking positions, but it took until the final moments for them to deservedly break the deadlock – as Christian Biraghi slotted home at the far post.
Florenzi’s club teammate, Lorenzo Pellegrini, played 12 minutes as a substitute against Ukraine but remained on the bench for the win over Poland.
Italy will now have the chance to battle it out for top spot in their group when they face Portugal next month.
Elsewhere during the international break, both Robin Olsen and Patrik Schick impressed for their respective nations last week – with Sweden’s Olsen producing a number of eye-catching saves in a 0-0 draw with Russia, and Schick scoring the winner off the bench with a fine header as the Czech Republic ran out 2-1 winners over Slovenia on Saturday.
Edin Dzeko (Bosnia & Herzegovina) and Cengiz Under (Turkey) went head-to-head last week, but neither player could get on the scoresheet as the game ended 0-0. Afterwards the due shared on social media a handful of photos they had taken together after the final whistle.
Cengiz was back in action on Sunday night, playing 90 minutes as Turkey lost 2-0 away to Russia.
Dzeko could be back in action on Monday night, as Bosnia face Northern Ireland in the Nations League. Kostas Manolas (Greece) could also play as his country visit Finland.
Tuesday could see Steven Nzonzi (France v. Germany) and Schick (away to Ukraine) both in Nations League action, while Sweden’s friendly against Slovakia could afford Olsen another run-out.
Imperium Partners
Centurion Partners
