TOWARDS UKRAINE-ITALY
In Leverkusen the Azzurri have two results out of three to qualify and defend the title won in 2021
19 nov 2023
After having (finally) dispelled the North Macedonia taboo, Spalletti’s Italy is one step away from qualifying for Euro 2024 and the possibility of defending the title won in 2021 with Mancini on the bench. In Leverkusen against Ukraine only one point is needed, so don’t lose, to the Azzurri to take the pass and definitively leave behind the failure to participate in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Even the numbers are on the side of our national team: 7 wins and two draws in 9 matches, the last one the 2-1 at San Siro on 12 Septemberjust over two months ago.
A draw would take us directly to Germany, but beating Ukraine would give Italy the third pot in the draw in Hamburg on 2 December and therefore a slightly softer group. Returning from Leverkusen with a draw, however, would almost certainly condemn us to the fourth pot with all the complications involved. Even a defeat would leave the door to the playoffs open, but given the precedents (Sweden in 2017 and North Macedonia in 2022) it would be better to avoid it: according to today’s rankings the pairings would be Italy-Estonia and Poland-Wales, then the two winners in final with venue to be drawn. A bit like what happened in the race for Qatar 2022: first North Macedonia, on paper a solid opponent (even if that wasn’t the case) and then Portugal. Just remembering it gives millions of national team fans shivers.
Compared to the match at the Olimpico against Elmas and his teammates, Spalletti will present some innovations: Di Lorenzo’s return after the disqualification is certain (Darmian makes way for him), in midfield Frattesi (decisive in the first leg with a brace) is the favorite with Bonaventura at alongside Jorginho and Barella. News also in the attacking trident: Chiesa immovable, the best against North Macedonia, the trio should be completed by Scamacca and Politano. Spalletti also has many arrows on the bench in his bow: from Berardi to Raspadori, up to Zaniolo and El Shaarawy. Names aside, he only counts one thing: don’t lose.
2023-11-19 22:31:59
#Italy #point #Ukraine #qualify #Euro #Sportmediaset #Sport #Mediaset
