Juventus forward Federico Chiesa was the star of the show in Italy’s vital Euro 2024 qualifier win over North Macedonia, earning widespread praise from the Italian media.
The Azzurri needed to win the qualifying match at the Stadio Olimpico on Friday night to put them level on points with fellow European Championship hopefuls Ukraine ahead of their meeting on November 20, their final match in the group.
Chiesa, who has missed the last two international breaks through muscle injuries, returned to the national team in style, scoring a first-half brace to put Italy 3-0 up before the break. Luciano Spalletti’s side went on to win 5-2, giving them confidence ahead of their decisive clash with Ukraine.
La Gazzetta dello Sport had high praise for Chiesa, underlining his decisive impact and drawing comparisons to his strong form at Euro 2020, writing: “But just think: Chiesa returns to the wing and causes havoc.
“Any reference to Juventus is not purely coincidental. He has a crazy desire, he scores from outside, with the help of poor Manev he scores the 2-0, he shoots from everywhere. Yes, like Sinner. Or like at Wembley.”
Corriere dello Sport echoed these sentiments, highlighting how he achieved something for the first time with the Azzurri in the win, commenting: “And Chiesa is a ruthless Sinner. ‘He counted on winning. We only took a risk because we never stop playing.’
“On the eve of the match, Spalletti had compared him to the cold tennis player. Spalletti’s blessing was significant. Two goals from Federico to put the result in the safe already before the break.
“And, in his 43rd appearance with the national team, he achieved what he had never managed before. He toasted the coronation of his new coach with his first brace in blue. The last goal, on June 20 in Enschede, against the Netherlands for the 3-2 and third place in the last Nation League.”
Chiesa’s ratings in the Italian newspapers
Gazzetta dello Sport: 8
Corriere dello Sport: 7.5
Tuttosport: 8