Zapata features in Colombia win against France, Kownacki makes senior Poland debut

There was a win and three defeats for the Sampdoria players involved in international friendlies on Friday, plus a win and a loss for two of our Primavera boys in qualifying matches for the 2019 European Under-21 Championship.

Italy – It was a night to forget for Italy in Luigi Di Biagio’s first game in charge. Gian Marco Ferrari was an unused substitute as Argentina ran out 2-0 winners at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium. Ever Banega (75) and Manuel Lanzini (85) scored the goals for Jorge Sampaoli’s side.

Poland – Dawid Kownacki was handed his senior Poland debut but couldn’t prevent the Poles from slipping to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Nigeria. Victor Moses’ 61st-minute penalty saw the visitors edge to a 1-0 win at Stadion Miejski in Wroclaw, with the Samp forward playing 72 minutes. Karol Linetty was taken off in the 19th minute due to an eye injury while Bartosz Bereszynski watched the match from the stands.

Slovenia – Vid Belec played the full game as he earned his fifth cap for Slovenia against Austria but also ended up on the losing side. David Alaba (15) and Marko Arnautovic (36, 51) netted for the hosts in a 3-0 success at Klagenfurt’s Worthersee Stadion.

Colombia – There was more joy for Duvan Zapata and Colombia as they triumphed against France in Paris. Didier Deschamps’ side were 2-0 up after 26 minutes thanks to goals by Olivier Giroud and Thomas Lemar but former Doria man Luis Muriel halved the arrears two minutes later. Radamel Falcao levelled for the visitors on the hour mark before Zapata replaced him on 68 minutes. Juan Quintero scored the winner from the penalty spot five minutes from time.

Montenegro – Elsewhere Primavera youngster Ognjen Stijepovic was on target for Montenegro U21s in a 3-1 victory over Luxembourg in Group 9 of qualifying for the 2019 European Under-21 Championship.

Lithuania – Titas Krapikas meanwhile watched on from the sidelines as Lithuania U21s were beaten 2-0 by Finland, a result which leaves the Lithuanians bottom of Group 3 in Euro 2019 qualifying.