Italy triumph over North Macedonia, eye Euro 2024 spot in Ukraine showdown

ROME, Italy : Federico Chiesa scored twice as Italy secured a 5-2 home victory against North Macedonia in a Group C clash on Friday, giving them an edge ahead of a deciding encounter with Ukraine on Monday for a place at Euro 2024.

The victory ensures that Italy only need a draw against Ukraine to secure a top-two finish in the group along with already-qualified England and reach next year’s finals in Germany.

Italy broke the deadlock after 17 minutes when an unmarked Matteo Darmian headed in a corner at the back post, with Chiesa doubling the advantage four minutes before the break.

In first-half stoppage time, Italy grabbed their third when Chiesa received a through ball inside the box and scored with a deflected shot that looped into the far top corner.

North Macedonia injected energy into the match after 52 minutes when Jani Atanasov nodded in a close-range cross, before scoring his second goal with a deflected shot in the 74th minute.

Italy's Giacomo Raspadori dashed the visitors' hopes nine minutes before time with a goal from a tricky angle after receiving a through ball inside the box while Stephan El Shaarawy added Italy's fifth in stoppage time.