Without its coach and star forward, Italy can’t afford to lose against Poland in what could be a decisive Nations League clash on Sunday. They meet at Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia knowing that victory for either side will likely send it to the Nations League finals.
Poland tops Group 1 in League A. It is a point above Italy and two above the Netherlands. Italy plays in Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday, while Poland hosts the Netherlands.
Italy has been beset by problems heading into these qualifiers, mainly to do with the coronavirus.
Coach Roberto Mancini is still at home in Rome self-isolating after contracting COVID-19, as is Lazio forward Ciro Immobile, last season’s European Golden Shoe winner.
Mancini will again be replaced by assistant coach Alberigo Evani, who was in charge on Wednesday when Estonia was beaten 4-0 in a friendly.
“It’s not an easy period for…