Italy break their North Macedonia curse in style 

Defending champions Italy bolstered their hopes to qualify for Euro 2024 by crushing North Macedonia.

Critical Victory for Italy:

In a pivotal match to secure their spot in Germany next year, Italy emerged triumphant, needing a victory to bolster their standing. The team started strong, taking the lead with Matteo Darmian’s header, setting the stage for an intense encounter against Ukraine on Monday.

Jorginho’s Missed Penalty and Chiesa’s Impact:

Despite an early missed penalty by Arsenal’s Jorginho, Italy’s resilience prevailed as Federico Chiesa’s brace extended their lead, securing a commanding 3-0 advantage.

North Macedonia’s Response and Italian Resolve:

North Macedonia’s Jani Atanasov rallied his team with two goals, injecting tension into the match. However, Italy’s determination remained unwavering, with Giacomo Raspadori and Stephan El Shaarawy ensuring victory, sealing the win in a thrilling encounter.

Shift in Group C Standings:

Italy’s impressive performance propelled them to second place in Group C, trailing behind the already-qualified England. This crucial win places Italy in a favorable position, poised to secure their berth in Germany next year, with a pivotal match against Ukraine looming.

Italy’s resilient display and ability to navigate through challenges during the match underscore their determination to secure a spot in the upcoming tournament, positioning them favorably in Group C standings.