Krystian Bielik Scores as Poland Beat Italy 1-0 in Group A in 2019 U21 Euros

Poland won for the second match in a row at the UEFA European Under-21 Championships after beating hosts Italy 1-0 on Wednesday thanks to a goal from Arsenal's Krystian Bielik.

His smart finish in the 40th minute was enough for the Poles at Bologna's Stadio Renato Dall'Ara. Coach Czeslaw Michniewicz's team now tops Group A and is on the verge of a place in the semi-final.

Poland's well-drilled defence was superb during the first half, despite intense pressure from the hosts. Fortunately, Bielik held the back three together superbly, while the wing-backs routinely tucked in to make a five-man unit.

It also helped to have a goalkeeper in fine form. Liverpool's Kamil Grabara was outstanding, reading the game astutely and never shy about coming off his line.

The 20-year-old was quick off the mark to close the angle for Federico Chiesa and ultimately block the Juventus' winger's shot. Chiesa was running Poland ragged at times but his deft deliveries into a crowded box were too often wasted by misfiring teammates.

Poland were playing to exploit a rare chance and it came when Bielik shot on the turn five minutes before the break. His second goal of the tournament serves notice to Arsenal head coach Unai Emery about the 21-year-old's obvious potential:

The Azzurri weren't deterred by falling behind and thought they'd equalised before the half ended when Bologna winger Riccardo Orsolini cut inside and slammed a shot past Grabara.

However, Orsolini was denied a goal in front of the home faithful after VAR deemed he was offside when he received the ball. It was a fair decision, but one that further highlighted Italy's struggles to get movement, passing and timing in sync in the final third.

Juventus' forward Moise Kean was introduced for Orsolini as a possible solution. The 19-year-old showcased his pace and power, although not everybody was impressed with his attempts to add some flair to proceedings:

Kean struggled to impose himself, but Lorenzo Pellegrini did his best to get Italy back on level terms. The AS Roma midfield workhorse was patient and incisive in possession and rarely wasted a chance to break forward.

Pellegrini crashing a shot off the bar proved to be the closest Italy got to an equaliser. It left some questioning the influence and tactics of coach Luigi Di Biagio:

Italy had been caught cold by a team geared to absorb pressure and make smart and selective use of the break. In Bielik and Grabara, Poland have two linchpins perfect for their cautious approach.

What's Next?

Italy face Belgium on Saturday, at the same time Poland meet Spain.