0:0 against Ukraine: Italy qualify for European Championship
Defending champions Italy have secured their ticket to next summer's European Championships in Germany with a little trepidation, but without having to go to detention.
The Italians drew 0-0 with the Ukrainians, who are level on points, to close out their qualifying group with the one point they needed to secure second place behind group winners England. Despite the result, the game in the BayArena in Leverkusen was not a typical Italy match, but a fast-paced duel with plenty of goalscoring opportunities on both sides. The Ukrainians have another chance to qualify for their fourth consecutive European Championship in the play-offs in March.
Controversial situation shortly before the final whistle
The match took place in Germany due to the Russian war of aggression. The Ukrainians had already played home games in Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The Italian players and fans made a statement for peace before kick-off when they clapped their hands during the Ukrainian anthem. Numerous families who had fled Ukraine were also invited to the match, which was also attended by NRW Minister President Hendrik Wüst. The Ukrainian association expressed its gratitude with the message "We thank Germany for its hospitality" on numerous advertising banners.
A point would have been enough for the Italians, but they started actively and offensively. And the Ukrainians also had their chances time and again. The fact that the first half remained goalless did not really fit the course of the game. Which did not change after the changeover. Italy were superior, but both had chances and the game threatened to turn at any time. The Italians were really lucky in the third minute of stoppage time when no penalty was awarded after Francesco Acerbi tackled Michailo Mudrik in the penalty area.
Italy's soccer team clinched European Championship qualification with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Ukraine, securing the second spot in their group. This result means that the Ukrainians, who also have an opportunity in the play-offs in March, missed out on an automatic qualification spot for their fourth consecutive European Championship.
Source: www.dpa.com
