Eager to prove their credentials, Universitatea Craiova, the reigning Romanian champions, will face stiff opposition when they take on Polissya Zhytomyr from Ukraine in their final pre-season friendly in Austria.
Coelho’s Charges Look to Build Momentum
Under the guidance of Portuguese coach Filipe Coelho, Craiova has already shown promising signs in their first two friendlies. A 7-1 thrashing of FC Stubai and a 1-1 draw with Sabah Baku have given the team’s fans a glimpse of what’s to come this season. However, Polissya Zhytomyr, who finished third in the Ukrainian league last season, will be a much tougher nut to crack.
The Road to Champions League Glory
Craiova’s European ambitions will be put to the test when they face Belarusian side Vitebsk in the first qualifying round of the Champions League. The first leg will take place on July 8th in Belarus, with the return fixture scheduled for July 15th. In between, the team will face UTA Arad in the Romanian Super Cup on July 12th. A strong performance against Polissya Zhytomyr will be crucial in building momentum ahead of these crucial matches.
Coelho’s Squad to Face Tough Test
According to sources, the likely starting lineup for Craiova will feature Laurențiu Popescu in goal, with Oleksandr Romanchuk, Nikola Stevanovic, and Juraj Badelj forming a solid defense. The midfield will be dominated by Nicușor Bancu, Samuel Teles, Alexandru Cicâldău, and Alexandru Crețu, while Etim Monday and Assad Al Hamlawi will lead the attack.
Craiova’s squad has been bolstered by the arrival of several new players, including Pavlo Isenko, Vladimir Screciu, and Tudor Băluță. However, the team will be without several key players, including Mihnea Rădulescu, Sebastian Șerban, and Denys Muntean, who are still recovering from injuries.
Coelho’s Challenge
Coelho will be looking to his experienced players to guide the team through this challenging period. Juraj Badelj, who joined Craiova from Lokomotiva Zagreb in January, will be crucial in providing defensive solidity and creative flair in midfield. Alexandru Cicâldău, who scored 10 goals in the Romanian league last season, will be expected to lead the attack and provide assists for his teammates.
With their Champions League bid hanging in the balance, Craiova will be looking to give a strong performance against Polissya Zhytomyr. A win or draw will be a significant boost to their confidence ahead of the crucial qualifying matches.
The stage is set for an exciting encounter in Austria. Will Coelho’s charges be able to overcome the challenge posed by Polissya Zhytomyr and emerge victorious? Only time will tell.