THEItaly di Luciano Spalletti qualifies for the Europeans di Germany 2024. The 0-0 draw in Leverkusen was enough for the Azzurri.Ukraine to get the pass as second group behind theEngland. A result that allows the Azzurri to climb to 14 points like theUkraine but to advance thanks to the success in the first leg direct clash.
A hard-fought result that does not reward Italy to the full, who tried and who with a victory could have remained in the third band of the draw for the groups for Euro 2024, but in the end also breathed a sigh of relief for a dubious penalty requested by Ukraine. Italy qualifies and will be able to play the European Championship as reigning champion.
The coach of the Italian national team for the match against Ukraine, at the BayArena in Leverkusen, valid for the qualification for Euro 2024, chooses the trident composed of Zaniolo with Raspadori and Chiesa, while in midfield Frattesi is preferred to Bonaventura. In defense Di Lorenzo and Buongiorno in place of Darmian and Gatti. Rebrov's Ukraine, on the other hand, relies on Tsygankov-Sudakov-Mudryk behind Dovbyk. Stepanenko paired with Zinchenko in midfield.
Ukraine starts very strong and in the 5th minute, on a percussion, Tsygankov concludes powerfully but centrally and Donnarumma blocks. Italy responds a minute later: on a corner kick, Zaniolo's tower arrives for Chiesa who from inside the area kicks badly high. The pressure of Rebrov's team is vehement and in the 14th minute Sudakov from the edge tries with a poisonous low shot, but Donnarumma is alert and dives to block.
Another chance for the Azzurri comes in the 16th minute with Barella who unleashes a powerful right-footed shot from the edge but Trubin is good at deflecting it past the post. Spalletti's team grows in their offensive play and in the 18th minute Raspadori triangulates with Barella, but his left-footed shot is blocked by Zabarnyi. The best chance of the match comes in the 29th minute with Chiesa who finds the right corridor for Frattesi, the Inter midfielder flies and shoots but Trubin manages to close the goal.
Italy closes on a high note and in the 32nd minute Dimarco back-heels Chiesa, who crosses to the center but Raspadori just misses. The second half begins with a change in the Azzurri attack with Scamacca replacing Raspadori. Italy starts again with strength with a very high pressing and in the 48th minute Scamacca is immediately dangerous but finishes high from a good position even if in an offside position.
Ukraine tries to raise the bar, but Italy continues to press in search of a goal and in the 58th minute Chiesa comes back on the right and finishes with a curl but the ball goes past the far post. Mudryk tries to break through on the left but Chiesa closes down in a retreat. In the 65th minute from a throw-in, Donnarumma and Di Lorenzo are indecisive in coming out, then the Italian goalkeeper manages to make a series of saves on Mudryk's sure-fire shot.
Another defensive indecision a minute later with Tsygankov entering the area with the ball bouncing off Jorginho and allowing Donnarumma to take the ball down. Rebrov's team doesn't give up and tries to press the Azzurri but Italy, even if a bit out of breath, always manages to get things moving. Politano, Cristante and Kean also come in to lift the team. In the 82nd minute the Napoli winger tries but his left-footed shot ends up high. In the 93rd minute, Italy have a scare: Mudryk falls in the area after contact with Cristante, but referee Gil Manzano lets the game continue, without any intervention from VAR. The Azzurri breathe a sigh of relief and fly to the European Championship.
Article published on November 20, 2023 - 22:48
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