Italy won’t miss one other main worldwide event, however Ukraine did all it may to pile on the stress throughout Euro 2024 qualifying. A scoreless attract Leverkusen means Italy may have the chance to defend its European Championship title in Germany this coming summer time.
All Italy wanted was a draw on this recreation. A nervy win towards North Macedonia within the penultimate match of Euro 2024 qualifying meant Italy occupied the second spot in its qualifying group. But, Italy was solely degree on factors with Ukraine. The Italians maintain the tiebreaker over Ukraine as a result of Italy gained when the 2 met in Milan earlier in qualifying.
Consequently, Italy is advancing to its eighth consecutive European Championship. Italy, which gained Euro 2020 on penalties over England, almost missed a 3rd main event in 4 makes an attempt. Italy did not qualify for the World Cup in 2018. Then, North Macedonia surprised the Italians in a World Cup playoff earlier than 2022.
For lengthy durations of this recreation in Germany, Italy appeared to be reliving these recollections towards North Macedonia. It dominated possession and had a number of high-quality scoring possibilities. Every time, Ukraine did sufficient to defend, or Italy was wasteful within the remaining third. This time, although, Italy didn’t concede a stoppage-time objective to overlook one other event. Ukraine definitely got here shut, and it had a penalty shout. Nonetheless, Ukraine fell quick, and the hosts will enter a playoff for a spot in Euro 2024.
Italy and Ukraine go away possibilities begging in Euro 2024 Qualifying
Within the first half, Italy had the lion’s share of possibilities. Federico Chiesa had an excellent likelihood simply 5 minutes into the sport. He bounced his volley into the bottom from 12 yards out, and the ball ballooned over the crossbar. Davide Frattesi additionally had an opportunity one-on-one towards Ukrainian goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. Trubin denied the try on the half-hour mark.
Within the second half, Italy sat again realizing a draw can be adequate to qualify. Ukraine had a number of high quality scoring possibilities of its personal, notably as the sport progressed. Gianluigi Donnarumma denied Mykhailo Mudryk across the hour mark.
But, the second of controversy got here in stoppage time. Mudryk went down within the Italy penalty field after a problem. Replays confirmed contact, however VAR didn’t step in. Referees argued Mudryk went down too simply given the contact from the Italian protection. Ukraine didn’t clamor for a penalty, and even the in-game commentator famous Italy would have been all around the referee if it have been the opposite method round.
Regardless, the sport ended scoreless. Italian gamers celebrated vehemently as they prevented one other disaster.
Ukraine nonetheless has an opportunity to qualify
Italy is locked in for the group stage in Germany subsequent summer time. Ukraine, however, will enter a playoff. There, it takes on Israel within the first playoff recreation based mostly on the standings in different teams. The winner of that recreation will play the winner between Finland and Bosnia and Herzegovina. A type of 4 groups will attain Euro 2024 after the playoff stage.
PHOTOS: IMAGO
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