The Azzurri secured a place at Euro 2024 after drawing with Serhiy Rebrov‘s team, bouncing back from their failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup 18 months ago.
The match had few clear opportunities, with both goalkeepers rarely being tested, but there was constant pressure around both penalty areas. Italy’s Davide Frattesi had a chance to score but was stopped by an excellent save from Anatoliy Trubin.
In the second half, Gianluigi Donnarumma made an equally crucial save to deny Mudryk with 30 minutes remaining. The decisive moment came late in the game when Mudryk entered the box and seemed to be fouled, but the referee dismissed the protests. Despite this, the Azzurri managed to hold on for a goalless draw. Before tonight, Italy had only qualified for one of the last three major tournaments. The champions of Euro 2020 did not participate in the 2018 World Cup and failed to make it to the final cut for last year’s tournament in Qatar. This happened after a notable loss to North Macedonia in a playoff semi-final.
Luciano Spalletti, after announcing that he would take a year off, surprisingly took on the Italy job when Roberto Mancini was relieved of his duties. The former manager did not have an easy task ahead, but he has achieved the goal of qualification. The current Italy squad is a mix of new and old players, with a new generation gradually replacing the old guard. They have not been exceptionally dominant, but the results speak for themselves.
Measuring Mudryk’s performance is truly difficult. He displayed impressive speed and skills throughout the game, but lacked direction. He often encountered trouble by not passing when he should have or attempting flashy moves instead of simple ones. Unfortunately, he was unlucky to have a penalty shout ignored in the second half stoppage time, as it appeared he was clearly tripped by a defender. Instead of becoming a hero, he now needs to redeem himself in a challenging playoff.
On the other hand, Italy has completed the supposedly easy part by qualifying for Euro 2024. They will have some friendly matches before the tournament begins next summer. In contrast, Ukraine will have to go through the playoffs and wait to find out their opponent.
