Ukraine 0-0 Italy: Defending champions Italy qualify for next summer’s EURO after controversial stalemate against Ukraine

Defending European champions Italy played out a thrilling stalemate against rivals Ukraine as they qualify for next season’s European spectacle. Azurris required a solitary point to see themselves at next season’s EURO 2024, to be staged in Germany, as they finished runners-up in Group C behind leaders England, who secured a 1-1 draw against Macedonia.

Italy- the rise of defending champions

Italy has always been a powerhouse of European football since last few years, especially after their victory on the biggest stage in UEFA EURO 2020. They were on an unbeaten streak of more than 35 games, owing to the likes of Immobile, Donnarumma and several other youngsters, thus playing with a perfect blend of youth and experience. But, as the norm of nature stands, all good things come to an end. So, Italy were dealt a harsh blow when they failed to qualify for 2022 World Cup in Qatar, their consecutive world cup absence, after they could not qualify for the Russian edition of World Cup, held in 2018. Their last participation was in 2014, where they could not enjoy a proper outing, crashing out in the group stage, after gathering one win in three games, in a group which had Costa Rica and Uruguay. But, when it comes to European qualifiers, they have always had a point to prove, and last night, they decided to go for the kill in defending their trophy, when they played out a controversial stalemate against modern stars of European football, Ukraine.

Staged at Leverkusen, Azurris required a single point to qualify for next edition, with a 2-1 win at the reverse fixture could calm some nerves at the Italian backdrop. Avoiding loss was important for them as they had started with similar points to Ukraine, as “The Blue and Yellow” would have to wait till playoffs in March to ensure qualification.

Italy escapes last minute scare

Although the frantic match at Leverkusen, Ukraine’s new ‘home’ amidst Russian invasion of their country, ended goalless, Luciano Spalletti’s side could have been one goal in the dying minutes as the scene could have completely been different for them. A rash challenge by Cristante saw Chelsea star Mudryk trip over in the dying minutes. Ukraine have had appeals for the penalty, which was shoved away by the match officials, thus saving Italy for an embarrassing defeat, ensuring their qualification in the EUROs. for eighth consecutive time.

Ukraine, managed by Serhiy Rebrov, started the game on a positive note, as they wanted to keep their reputation of giant-killers in the game, being the only side in Group C who have taken points away from England. Sudakov’s low-attempt forced PSG keeper Donnarumma to sprang upon a brilliant save, whereas Anatoliy Trubin saved Nicolo Barella’s heroic efforts to keep the score line intact at 0-0.

The score indicates about the efforts from the custodians from both sides, as Trubin and Donnarumma had been brilliant last night in thwarting away attacks. Former Napoli boss Spalletti, who led his club to a historic Scudetto victory after three decades, has praised his side after their heroic exploits at an ‘away’ game. He replaced famous boss Mancini three months ago, and was heard saying, “We have a moment to pat ourselves on the back. Now, the level will step up. Now, the fun begins.”

Ukraine boss Rebrov was seen speaking to media after the game, as he spoke about Russian invasion, “As all of you know, the war in Ukraine is continuing. It is quite hard for the players, they’re always watching their phones, they’re watching the news, same as me. In this atmosphere, it is not easy to work. But we understand we are presenting as a very strong country and I think today on the pitch all the players showed that we have character and that we fight for our country.”