Andrea Maldera Discusses the Upcoming Friendly with Denmark
Ukraine's head coach Andrea Maldera has shared his thoughts ahead of the team's exhibition match against Denmark. He confirmed that Ruslan Malinovskyi and Illya Zabarnyi will start the game, while Andriy Lunin will not join the squad due to unresolved issues with his club. The friendly between Denmark and Ukraine is scheduled for June 7 in Odense, with kickoff set for 7:30 PM Kyiv time.
Maldera emphasized that Malinovskyi is a key asset for the team, but insisted that every player carries equal importance in the lineup:
“Malinovskyi is very valuable to our team. But he is not more special than the rest of the players—they are all crucial. Nobody is more important than anyone else, simply because I am familiar with him.”
Andrea Maldera
The coach also expressed his satisfaction with having Zabarnyi in the starting eleven:
“I can confirm that Malinovskyi and Zabarnyi will be in the starting lineup.”
Andrea Maldera
Regarding Lunin, Maldera noted that the goalkeeper wanted to join but encountered some complications at his club:
- “Lunin? Andriy wanted to come, and I spoke with him on the phone. He has no injuries. There are some issues at his club—nothing serious, just some details that didn't align.”
The coach added that Lunin was disappointed to miss the match.
Ukraine's Upcoming Challenges
In the fall of 2026, Ukraine will compete in League B of the Nations League, facing Hungary, Georgia, and Northern Ireland. Illya Zabarnyi, who recently became the fourth Ukrainian footballer to win the UEFA Champions League, also secured the French league title with PSG. He featured in extra time during the 2025/26 Champions League final, where PSG defeated London's Arsenal on penalties.
The friendly against Denmark represents a crucial step in Ukraine's preparation for future competitions. This match will allow the coaching staff to assess the form of key players like Malinovskyi and Zabarnyi ahead of tougher Nations League fixtures. Lunin's absence also highlights the need for smooth communication between clubs and national teams, as even minor administrative details can impact player availability for important games.
As Ukraine prepares for the upcoming match against Denmark, the decisions behind the squad selection have raised interest among fans. In particular, the inclusion of key players like Malinovskyi and Zabarnyi has sparked discussions about the team's strategy. To gain further insight into the rationale behind the call-ups, including Yarmolenko's inclusion and the roles of assistant coaches, read more about Maldera's choices for the national team.