Semi-defender of the Ukraine national team Oleksandr Pikhalyonok commented on a friendly match against Polish "Lechia."

Yesterday evening, the blue-and-yellow team played a friendly match with "Lechia," which was part of their preparation for the decisive showdown with Italy. Oleksandr Pikhalyonok — author of one of Ukraine's goals — shared his impressions after the game.

"There was heavy rain, and the field was very difficult. But we still had to come out and play, work on combinations. Later, we will analyze in theory what worked for us and what didn't, look at exactly what Serhiy Stanislavovych wanted."

Preparation for Italy continues. We need to be ready not only tactically but also physically. We are preparing at the maximum of our capabilities.

Regarding my goal, I was effective on the rebound. The goalkeeper pushed it forward, and I got there first. In "Lechia's" nets stood Bogdan Sarnavskyi, whom I know well from "Dnipropetrovsk-1."

Of course, it was colder sitting on the bench than running on the field. The coverage was tough, some moments didn't go as planned. But we will analyze our mistakes and prepare for Italy.

Taras Stepanenko had a bit of bad luck — one offside call, another time the goalkeeper somehow managed to save it. It happens. Maybe he saved his goal for Italy," — said Oleksandr Pikhalyonok. 

As a reminder, the Euro 2024 qualifier match between Ukraine and Italy will take place on November 20 in Leverkusen, Germany at "BayArena" (kickoff — 9:45 PM Kyiv time).