Football · Wrocław and Warsaw
Poland vs Ukraine: Jan Urban names starting XI for Wrocław friendly, Lewandowski leads the line
Poland manager Jan Urban has unveiled his starting lineup for Sunday's friendly against Ukraine at Wrocław's Tarczyński Arena, with captain Robert Lewandowski included despite speculation about his future.
In brief
Jan Urban named his lineup for the friendly against Ukraine, featuring Bułka in goal, a back three of Wiśniewski, Kędziora, and Kiwior, and Lewandowski up front.
Despite speculation about his future, Robert Lewandowski is in the squad and starts the match.
Urban highlighted the need to fix defensive issues after the 2-3 playoff loss to Sweden, using the friendlies to work on the back line.
Italian Andrea Maldera takes charge of Ukraine for the first time as a head coach, having previously worked as an assistant.
Poland begins a series of friendly matches on Sunday, hosting Ukraine at the Tarczyński Arena in Wrocław. Kick-off is scheduled for 17:30 local time. Manager Jan Urban has named his starting eleven, blending fresh faces with experienced internationals.
The lineup
Urban's selection features Marcin Bułka in goal, with a back three of Przemysław Wiśniewski, Tomasz Kędziora, and Jakub Kiwior. Arkadiusz Pyrka and Nicola Zalewski occupy the wing-back roles, while Piotr Zieliński and Jakub Piotrowski anchor the midfield. The attacking trio consists of Sebastian Szymański, Oskar Pietuszewski, and captain Robert Lewandowski.
Lewandowski's presence
Despite ongoing rumors surrounding Robert Lewandowski's future, the veteran striker has been included in the squad for this training camp and starts against Ukraine. His inclusion provides experience to a side that failed to qualify for the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Defensive focus
Speaking a day before the match, Urban acknowledged that the training camp and both friendlies—Ukraine on Sunday and Nigeria on 3 June in Warsaw—are opportunities to address defensive frailties. He referenced the painful 2-3 playoff final defeat to Sweden in March that cost Poland a World Cup spot.
“If you concede three goals, it's hard to think about a favorable result. That's why we have the most to improve in defense. We cannot play like we did against Sweden.”
Ukraine's new coach
On the opposing bench, Italian Andrea Maldera will make his debut as head coach of the Ukrainian national team. This marks his first solo role in a coaching career that has included assistant positions at club level and within the Ukrainian national team setup. Ukraine also missed out on World Cup qualification via the playoffs.
What's next
After the Ukraine friendly, Poland will face Nigeria on Wednesday, 3 June, in Warsaw. Both matches serve as preparation for the autumn's Nations League campaign in the second division, offering Urban a chance to evaluate candidates for future competitive fixtures.