Ukraine 0-0 Italy: Azzurri qualify for Euro 2024 behind England with point

Reigning European champions Italy got the point they needed against Ukraine to qualify for Euro 2024 as Group C runners-up next to England.

A fierce match in Leverkusen, Germany ended goalless to confirm the Azzurri’s place in next summer’s finals.

Third-place qualifier Ukraine hopes to stay in the play-offs in March.

Buoyed by a fervent ‘home’ support amid Russia’s ongoing invasion of their country, Ukraine had appeals for an hour-long penalty dismissed after Mykhailo Mudryk went down under a challenge from Bryan Cristante .

But Luciano Spalletti’s side survived a late scare to ensure they are in Germany to defend their crown, qualifying for their eighth successive European Championship.

Serhiy Rebrov’s Ukraine, the only side to have previously picked up points in England, made a positive start in their pursuit of the win they were looking for.

Heorhiy Sudakov’s low drive forced Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma into action in an end-to-end opening period, with Anatoliy Trubin also making a fine save to deny Nicolo Barella.

Spalletti called on his players to “steal the hearts of Italy” in their showdown with Ukraine in Germany, where Euro 2024 will be held.

The Azzurri gradually asserted themselves but Trubin again came to Ukraine’s rescue when Davide Frattesi was beaten on goal, while Giacomo Raspadori failed to meet Federico Chiesa’s lively ball across the six-yard box. .

Donnarumma recovered well from his own failure to collect a cross to thwart Mudryk’s close-range attempt as the game remained a dangerous affair at the increasingly tense BayArena, but Italy held on.

Elsewhere on Monday, the Czech Republic and Slovenia both also qualified from their respective groups.

West Ham’s Tomas Soucek scored in a 3-0 win over Moldova as the Czechs qualified behind Group E leaders Albania.

Meanwhile, Slovenia advanced as Group H runners-up to Denmark with a 2-1 win over Kazakhstan.