Ukraine 0-0 Italy: Spalletti’s side secure Euro 2024 spot as hosts head for play-offs

Italy ensured their place in the Euro 2024 finals held in Germany after playing a goalless match against Ukraine in Leverkusen. Nevertheless, it was not the usual defensive performance we expect from the Italian team. In reality, they had numerous chances to eliminate Ukraine from the game during the first half.

The initial opportunity arose in the seventh minute when Federico Chiesa had an excellent chance to score. Nicolo Zaniolo had directed the ball towards him, but Chiesa, regrettably, missed the target and shot the ball over the crossbar. Italy will deeply regret the missed chance that occurred when Davide Frattesi’s shot on goal, set up by a remarkable through-ball from Chiesa, was blocked by Anatoliy Trubin. This denied Italy another opportunity to take the lead. Additionally, Gianluigi Donnarumma played a vital role in preventing Ukraine from scoring by making important saves, such as denying Georgiy Sudakov’s long-range attempt in the first half. During the latter part of the game, Donnarumma displayed his nimbleness by stretching out to prevent Mykhailo Mudryk’s near shot.

Italy and Ukraine both ended up with 14 points in Group C, falling behind the victorious England. Nevertheless, Italy claimed the higher spot thanks to their 2-1 win in the previous encounter. The match was fiercely contested, but Italy ultimately emerged as the victors and secured their spot in the Euro 2024 finals.