Despite an impressive performance from Robert Lewandowski, Poland could only manage a 1-1 draw in their opening UEFA Nations League match against Italy. The 30-year-old captained his side in Bologna and set up Piotr Zielinski’s opener in the 40th minute with a cross. The hosts equalised late in the second half when Jorginho converted a penalty after Jakub Blaszczykowski had fouled Federico Chiesa inside the box.
Lewandowski was a lone striker in Poland’s line-up and was heavily marked by the Italian defence, meaning he found his space limited and so turned less selfishly into a provider. Last season’s Bundesliga top scorer almost set up Zielinski just minutes into the game, but the midfielder failed to put the through ball past Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Lewy’s best chance of the game came moments after the restart when the ball came to him from a deflected shot by Blaszczykowski, but he put his first-time effort over the bar.