Italy to play Poland at the Dall’Ara

The Stadio Renato Dall’Ara will host the match between Italy and Poland on Friday 7th September with kick-off at 20:45 CEST. It’s the first fixture for the Azzurri in the new UEFA Nations League. The team are returning to Bologna for the first time in three years following a friendly draw against Romania on 17th November 2015.

Italy have played 20 times in Bologna, winning 15, losing three and drawing two. The Azzurri have scored 58 and conceded 19 in our city. There have been 14 matches against Poland with the Azzurri winning five, drawing six and losing three. In the last match on 11th November 2011 in Wroclaw, Italy won 2-0.

Below is the press release from the FIGC

The Stadio Renato Dall’Ara in Bologna will host Italy’s first match at the UEFA Nations League on 7th September when the Azzurri are in action at 20:45 CEST against Poland.

“We’re returning with pleasure to play in Bologna,” said the FIGC Extraordinary Commissioner Roberto Fabbricini. “It’s a city that represents an asset for Italian football and it’s not a coincidence that it’s been selected for this inaugural fixture and the Azzurrini’s matches at the Under-21 European Championship. I take this opportunity to thank the council and the Rossoblu club who, with their work to refurbish the Stadio Dall’Ara, are allowing Bologna to return to being one of the homes for the national teams.

“Bologna is grateful for the Football Federation for the wonderful opportunity to host our country’s debut in the new Nations League,” said the Mayor Virginio Merola. “The Stadio Dall’Ara has always welcomed the Azzurri with enthusiasm and we’re proud that Bologna will be a host venue for matches at the Under-21 European Championship. Sport is a part of the great Bolognese tradition, not just football. This administration is applying intense and constant effort, the strategic plan for sport shows this along with work alongside Bologna FC on the stadium. As the Extraordinary Commissioner Roberto Fabbricini underlined, it will make a contribution in guaranteeing that Bologna takes its deserved place among the top stages for the National Teams.”

“Three years on from the last time, we’re happy to host the Azzurri once again in our home for the first Nations League match against Poland,” said the Bologna Chairman Joey Saputo. Bologna Fc 1909 and the club’s fans know how to welcome the team with affection and the side has a positive record in our city. I’m sure that the Dall’Ara will be a great setting for a fascinating night of international football.”

The Nations League.  Italy are in Group 3 of the new tournament alongside Poland and Portugal. The competition consists of 55 UEFA teams split into four categories. Italy’s first match will be at home on 7th September 2018 against Poland before facing Portugal away three days later. The side will travel to Poland on 14th October and return to welcome Portugal on 17th November in the final fixture. When the tournament is not taking place, Italy will play Ukraine (10th October) and the United States of America (20th November).

Previous Meetings. Italy are playing for the 21st time in Bologna, just under three years since the last friendly match on 17th November 2015 against Romania which ended 2-2. The two teams have met 14 times with five Azzurri wins, six draws and three defeats.The most recent meeting was on 11th November 2011 in Wroclaw when Italy won 2-0.