Italy opens European qualifying against Poland in Wroclaw

Italy brings recent podium record into qualifying

Italy won the European title in 2021, beating Sweden 41–14, FIDAF reports. The team took bronze in 2023 with a 26–7 victory over Sweden, then finished third in the 2025 edition after defeating Germany 17–14.

The Poland game opens a new qualifying cycle for the Blue Team. FIDAF says the national team has been consistently on the continental podium since 2021.

Poland returns to international competition

Poland has been absent from international competition since its last game against Czechia in 2018, according to FIDAF. The federation notes that the national team’s core is connected to the Panthers Wroclaw, who play in the American Football League Europe (AFLE).

The Panthers reached the AFLE Gold Bowl on September 6, 2026, but lost to the Vienna Vikings 68–5. Poland will play its qualifying opener at the stadium used for the Panthers’ home games.

Zahradka returns to Italy’s tackle offense

Quarterback Luke Zahradka is set to lead Italy’s tackle offense. FIDAF says he recently helped the national flag football team win silver at the world championships in Düsseldorf and qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Italy’s roster has 45 players. FIDAF identifies reigning Italian champions Guelfi Firenze as the most represented club, with nine players selected. Offensive coordinator Tommaso Finadri and defensive coordinator Daniele Rossi are among the coaching staff.

Hungary next in Group C

After the trip to Poland, Italy is scheduled to host Hungary in Milan on Saturday, October 24, FIDAF says. The match against Poland is therefore the first of Italy’s two listed Group C fixtures in the supplied schedule.