Ukraine 0-0 Italy: Azzurri qualify for Euro 2024 behind England with point

Reigning European champions Italy secured the point they required in opposition to Ukraine to qualify for Euro 2024 as Group C runners-up behind England.

A frantic match in Leverkusen, Germany ended goalless to substantiate the Azzurri’s place in subsequent summer time’s finals.

Third-placed Ukraine’s qualification hopes relaxation on the play-offs in March.

Spurred on by passionate assist at their ‘dwelling’ venue amid Russia’s ongoing invasion of their nation, Ukraine had appeals for a stoppage-time penalty dismissed after Mykhailo Mudryk went down below a problem from Bryan Cristante.

But Luciano Spalletti’s aspect survived that late scare to make sure they are going to be current in Germany to defend their crown, qualifying for their eighth consecutive European Championship.

“As all of you already know, the battle in Ukraine is constant,” Ukraine boss Serhiy Rebrov mentioned.

“It is sort of arduous for the gamers, they’re at all times watching their telephones, they’re watching the information, similar as me. In this ambiance, it isn’t straightforward to work.

“But we perceive we’re presenting as a really robust nation and I feel at present on the pitch all of the gamers confirmed that now we have character and that we battle for our nation.”

Rebrov’s Ukraine, the one aspect who had beforehand taken factors off England, started positively in pursuit of the victory they sought.

Heorhiy Sudakov’s low drive compelled Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma into motion in an end-to-end opening interval, throughout which Anatoliy Trubin additionally produced a advantageous save to disclaim Nicolo Barella.

The Azzurri steadily asserted themselves however Trubin once more got here to Ukraine’s rescue when Davide Frattesi was performed by on purpose, whereas Giacomo Raspadori fell agonisingly in need of assembly the full of life Federico Chiesa’s ball throughout the six-yard field.

Donnarumma recovered fantastically from his personal failure to gather a cross to smother Mudryk’s close-range try because the match remained delicately poised on the more and more tense BayArena, however Italy held on.

Ex-Napoli boss Spalletti, who solely changed Roberto Mancini as Italy boss three months in the past, mentioned: “We have a second to pat ourselves on the again.

“Now, the extent will step up. Now, the enjoyable begins.”

Elsewhere on Monday, the Czech Republic and Slovenia each additionally certified from their respective teams.

West Ham’s Tomas Soucek scored in a 3-0 win over Moldova because the Czechs certified behind leaders Albania in Group E – although boss Jaroslav Silhavy stepped down after guiding them to qualification.

Meanwhile, Slovenia progressed as Group H runners-up to Denmark with a 2-1 victory in opposition to Kazakhstan.