Federico Chiesa scored two goals in Italy’s 5-2 home win over North Macedonia in Euro 2024 qualifying on Friday, giving the Italian team an advantage ahead of Monday’s match against Ukraine, which will decide a place in the tournament.
A win in Group C means that Italy only need a draw with Ukraine to secure second place in the group and, along with already qualified England, secure a place in next year’s tournament in Germany.
Italy have already struggled in matches against North Macedonia, suffering a 1-0 home defeat in 2022 World Cup qualifying and then drawing 1-1 in European Championship qualifying, in Luciano Spalletti’s debut as Azzurri coach, in September.
Italy opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Matteo Darmian, unmarked, headed a corner to the far post. In the 40th minute Italy had the opportunity to extend their lead from a penalty after a handball by Nikola Serafimov, but Jorginho’s shot was saved by Dimitrievski.
Chiesa doubles the lead four minutes from half-time with a shot from the edge of the area. In first-half injury time, Italy scored a third: Chiesa received a pass in the area, eluded a defender and scored after a deflected shot.
North Macedonia got back into the game in the 7th minute of the second half, when Jani Atanasov scored with a header from a cross. He also scores the second, in the 29th minute, after a long-range shot, another goal aided by a deflection.
But Italian Raspadori dashed the visitors’ hopes nine minutes from time, while Stephan El Shaarawy scored Azurra’s fifth goal in injury time.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
