Reigning champions Italy are making ready for a decisive qualifier with Ukraine for a spot at Euro 2024, whereas former winners the Netherlands and 2016 semi-finalists Wales are additionally aiming to ebook their tickets to the finals in Germany. The final two rounds of qualifying matches happen over the subsequent week, and a complete of 12 international locations will safe their spots in subsequent month’s attract Hamburg for the event to go together with 9 who’re already assured to be there.
Continental heavyweights Spain, France, England, Belgium and Portugal have already certified together with hosts Germany, Turkey, Scotland and Austria for the 24-nation finals which can run June 14 to July 14 subsequent yr.
Italy, who beat England on penalties at Wembley within the remaining of the final European Championship in 2021 to assert the title for the second time, nonetheless have work to do to keep away from lacking one other main event.
Having didn’t qualify for both of the final two World Cups, there’s a hazard the Azzurri won’t be in Germany to defend their title after a qualifying marketing campaign throughout which coach Roberto Mancini give up both aspect of defeats dwelling and away to England.
– Ukraine goal to disclaim holders –
But the equation is straightforward for the staff now coached by Luciano Spalletti — no matter occurs after they face North Macedonia in Rome on Friday, win towards Ukraine in Germany subsequent Monday and they’ll qualify.
A draw towards Ukraine will suffice in the event that they beat North Macedonia first. Lose their final recreation, then again, and Ukraine will progress to the finals as a substitute, whereas Italy will drop into the play-offs subsequent March which can decide the ultimate three qualifiers.
That could be a situation they’ll desperately need to keep away from, having didn’t qualify for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups after dropping play-off ties to Sweden and North Macedonia respectively.
“We’ve got to deal with the worry. Will probably be there by our aspect as we go,” indicated Spalletti