05.11.2016, 05:18
Italy and Turkey aim to remain on the road of success

ROUND PREVIEW: Four teams are ready for EHF EURO 2020 Qualification rematches on Sunday in Kosovo and Georgia

Italy and Turkey aim to remain on the road of success

After winning the first-leg matches on Wednesday, Italy and Turkey aim to remain on the road for the main qualification stage of the EHF EURO 2020 on Sunday. But their hosts Kosovo and Georgia are eager to turn the tide, as Kosovo hope for their first win in an international match.

GROUP B
Kosovo vs Turkey, Sunday 6 November, 19:30 local time

“On home ground we have the chance to make our dream of a first win ever in an official match come true. The arena will be full, and we hope for huge support from the stands,” says Kosovo left back Enis Kabashi, who netted twice on Wednesday in the first leg when Turkey beat his side 26:22.

On Sunday, Kosovo hope to make history in Prishtina. But Turkey are eager for their second win to remain with a clean record prior to the crucial matches against the third Group B opponent, Estonia, in January.

Thanks to their bigger international experience and individual class, the visitors are the favourites again. In the first leg, Turkey were constantly dominant despite the fairly close final result – but Kosovo aim for a surprise with help from the stands.

GROUP C
Georgia vs Italy, Sunday 6 November, 18:00 local time

Can Georgia manage to stop Dean Turkovic? This is one of the main questions prior to the rematch in Tbilisi. Tallying 10 goals, Turkovic was the key to Italy’s success in the first leg on Wednesday.

Italy struggled in the first half, but managed to overrun the Georgians with a clear 26:19 win. But previous competitions have proven that Georgia are much more successful on home ground – and Italy only won three of their last 13 away matches (in Great Britain, Cyprus and Finland).

Georgia still have to make do without their top star Vladimir Rusia due to an injury.

TEXT: Björn Pazen / cg / ts