European champions Italy continue to have their sights set on the European Football Championship in Germany, regardless of the unrest that has arisen.
The selection of the new national coach Luciano Spalletti easily won the qualification 4-0 (2-0) against outsiders Malta in Bari on Saturday and thus successfully defended second place in Group C behind England and ahead of Ukraine.
Giacomo Bonaventura (23rd), Domenico Berardi (45th+1st/64th) and Davide Frattesi (90th+3) scored the goals for Squadra Azzurra. With ten points, the Italians are three points behind the English, who will host the European champions at Wembley Stadium next Tuesday for a repeat of the last European Championship final.
After the 2-0 (1-0) win against North Macedonia in Prague, Ukraine also has ten points with more games played.
On Thursday, Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo left the Italian national team camp after prosecutors informed them of an investigation into possible illegal gambling. Both also miss the important game in England.
Heorhij Sudakov (30th) and Alexander Karawajew (90th + 5) scored the goals for the Ukrainians. On November 20th there will be the second direct and probably decisive duel for the European Championship ticket between Ukraine and Italy in Leverkusen. The Italians won the first game 2-1 on Spalletti’s debut. In the event of a tie, the direct comparison decides.