Football

Poland's Euro 2024 preparations have been marred by injuries, with talismanic striker Robert Lewandowski and strike partner Karol Swiderski both forced off in their final warm-up match against Turkey.Lewandowski, who has scored 82 goals in 149 appearances for his country, limped off after just 32 minutes with an unspecified injury. Swiderski had already left the field after hurting his right ankle while celebrating his goal that gave Poland an early lead.The injuries add to Poland's woes, as they have already lost Juventus striker Arkadiusz Milik to a knee injury. Milik underwent surgery on Monday and is expected to miss the tournament.Poland, who kick off their Euro campaign against the Netherlands on June 16, are now facing a striker crisis. Lewandowski, who is 35, would have been appearing in his fourth European Championship.Turkey, who are in Group F, also suffered an injury blow as defender Merih Demiral was forced off with a hamstring problem.Despite the injuries, Poland managed to secure a 2-1 victory over Turkey in Warsaw. Nicola Zalewski scored the winning goal in added time after Baris Yilmaz had leveled for Turkey in the 77th minute.Poland will be hoping that Lewandowski and Swiderski can recover in time for the tournament, but their absence would be a major blow to their chances of success.

Italy's Euro 2024 preparations hit a snag as they were held to a goalless draw by Turkey in a lackluster friendly in Bologna. The Azzurri, who triumphed at the last Euros three years ago, struggled to create clear-cut chances against a resolute Turkish defense.The match was marred by an injury to Turkey's Ozan Kabak, who was stretchered off shortly before halftime with a knee injury that could potentially rule him out of the tournament. The Hoffenheim midfielder fell awkwardly in a challenge with Mateo Retegui and writhed in agony on the sidelines.Italy's best chance of the first half came in stoppage time when Baris Yilmaz sent a free header over the bar. Bryan Cristante also hit the post from a corner in the dying seconds of the half.The introduction of Andrea Cambiaso and Mattia Zaccagni after the break livened up Italy's attack, but they still lacked inspiration in the final third. Retegui miscued a bicycle kick from Pellegrini's cross just before the hour mark.Despite being the better team, Italy failed to find a breakthrough, leaving the 25,000 fans at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara disappointed.Turkey, managed by former Italy striker Vincenzo Montella, will play Poland in Warsaw on Monday in their final pre-Euro friendly. They take on Georgia in their first Group F match in Dortmund on June 18 before facing Portugal and the Czech Republic.Italy, meanwhile, have one more friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Empoli on Sunday before traveling to Germany for Euro 2024. They begin their campaign on June 15 against Albania in Group B, where they have also been drawn with Spain and Croatia.