The Polish national team returns to the international stage on Saturday, October 10, with a daunting assignment against three-time European champion Italy in the opening Group C matchup of the 2026–27 IFAF Men’s European Championship.
Kickoff at Olympic Stadium in Wroclaw, Poland, is scheduled for 13:00 CEST.
After eight years away from European Championship competition, the Poles could hardly have chosen a tougher opponent. The Azzurri arrive with championship pedigree, an experienced quarterback and every intention of returning to the continental podium.
Azzurri looking to reclaim their crown
Italy has been a fixture among Europe’s elite, capturing its third European championship in 2021 with a 41–14 victory over Sweden in Malmö.
Under head coach Brian Michitti, the Italians have established themselves as one of Europe’s most consistent national teams. After capturing gold in 2021, they earned bronze in 2023 and again in 2025, the latter secured with a dramatic late touchdown in a 17–14 victory over Germany.
Watch live. IFAF Men’s Euros: Italy @ Poland, Oct. 10, 13:00 CET (1 pm, 7 am ET)
“We stumbled last year, but we bounced back. This year, we need a strong October from the start,” Michitti said.
Leading the offense is veteran quarterback Luke Zahradka, fresh from helping Italy capture silver at the 2026 IFAF World Flag Championships and qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
The 45-man roster also features nine players from reigning Italian champion Guelfi Firenze, giving Michitti a strong foundation of championship experience.
Poland has weapons of its own
The Poles haven’t competed in European Championship qualifying since falling to Czechia in 2018, but that absence shouldn’t be mistaken for a lack of talent.
Much of the national team’s foundation comes from the Panthers Wroclaw, who reached the inaugural American Football League Europe championship game in September before falling 68–5 to the Vienna Vikings.
That experience, combined with home-field advantage, makes Poland a potentially dangerous opponent.
Head coach Jakub Samel has put his squad through three intensive training camps in preparation.
“Italy is one of the strongest teams in Europe and has achieved great success in international competitions,” Samel acknowledged.
A dangerous opening test
For Italy, the challenge is avoiding complacency against an opponent eager to announce its return.
For Poland, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate that eight years outside the international spotlight haven’t diminished its ambitions.
With Hungary also waiting in Group C, neither team can afford a slow start to the championship campaign.