The reigning European Champions Italy earned the necessary point against Ukraine in order to qualify as group C runners up behind England.
After a 2-1 victory in their reverse match, Italy needed to win this important encounter against Ukraine only by avoiding defeat.
A thrilling match played in Leverkusen in Germany, ended without a goal to confirm Azzurri’s spot in the finals next summer.
The play-offs for the third-placed Ukraine in March are crucial to its qualification.
After Mykhailo Mudryk was knocked down by Bryan Cristante, Ukraine’s appeal for a stoppage time penalty has been dismissed. This is due to the passionate support they receive at their “home” venue in spite of Russia’s continued invasion.
Luciano Spalletti and his team survived the last-minute scare, ensuring they would be in Germany for their 8th consecutive European Championship to defend their title.
- The already-qualified England draws to finish Euro 2024 qualification unbeaten
Serhiy Rebrov, Ukraine’s president said: “As you all know, war continues in Ukraine.”
It’s hard to work in this environment. The players are always on their phone, and they watch the news just like me. It is difficult to do any work in this environment.
“But we know we present as a strong country, and today I believe on the field all players demonstrated that we have a character and we fight for the country. “
Rebrov’s Ukraine began their quest for victory positively. They were the only team to have previously beaten England.
Heorhiy sudakov’s low shot forced Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to action during an end-to -end first period. Anatoliytrubin produced a superb save in order to stop Nicolo barella.
As the Azzurri began to assert themselves, Trubin once again saved Ukraine when Davide frattesi’s goal was set up. Giacomo Raspadori came agonisingly close to meeting Federico Chiesa’s lively ball that crossed the six-inch box.
Donnarumma rebounded superbly after his failure to intercept a cross in order to stop Mudryk’s attempt at close range. The match was delicately poised, and Italy hung on.
Spalletti said that it was time to congratulate themselves after replacing Roberto Mancini, the former Napoli manager, as Italy’s coach, only three months earlier.
Now, the next level is going to be higher. “Now, let’s have some fun!” “
On Monday, both the Czech Republic (also a member of Group A) and Slovenia also achieved qualification from their respective group.
Tomas Soucek of West Ham scored in a convincing 3-0 victory over Moldova to help the Czechs qualify behind Albania for Group E. manager Jaroslav Silhavy, however, resigned following qualification.
Slovenia advanced as the runner-up in Group H to Denmark after a 2-1 win against Kazakhstan.
