After more early morning rain, the first match of the day started under a timid, but much welcome, sun! Both teams were inspired by the improved weather conditions and produced an entertaining display of attacking hockey. Poland had most of the play, but Italy opposed their usual hermetic defense. They forced a penalty-corner in the 18th minute but, with their regular striker Massimo LANZANO injured, they could not threaten Arkadiusz MATUSZAK on duty in the Polish goal.

Action became more intense in the Italian circle in the closing minutes of the period but Francesco MITROTTA did well to protect his goal until the 33rd minute, when Artur MIKUŁA received a crisp ball behind the defense and made no mistake to open the scoring.

Poland dominated again in second period, but could not generate much danger until Michał KUNKLEWSKI made the most of an untidy ball reaching him in the circle to increase the Polish lead. Italy maintained their tight defense, but were too busy in the back to create real danger in attack, including on a few botched penalty-corner attempts. However, Jacopo LUNETTA reduced the score in the 66th minute, scoring in the process the first Italian goal of the competition.

Poland seemed happy with the three points of the win and didn’t exert themselves more than needed, adding two more goals in second period by Krystian MAKOWSKI and Tomasz MARCINKOWSKI, all field goals.