North Macedonia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski accepted that it’ll be ‘difficult’ to face Italy in Rome but underlined how his team ‘need to score points’.
The Azzurri are preparing for their final two Euro 2024 qualifiers, crucial games as the team look to book their spot in next summer’s tournament in Germany. Italy currently sit third in Group C, three points behind Ukraine, who’ve played an extra game.
Italy need to beat North Macedonia tonight to put them level with Ukraine for the final game, pilling on the pressure on Luciano Spalletti and his players. Considering recent history, the Azzurri are desperate to avoid having to go through the play-offs.
Speaking to Tuttosport via TMW, Dimitrievski first discussed North Macedonia’s ambitions heading into their away clash with Italy.
“Tonight, I expect a complicated and hard-fought match. We know that Italy must win to qualify for Euro 2024, but we also need to score points.
“It’s difficult, but we still hope to reach the play-offs. That’s why we came very determined in Rome to try to have a great game.”
The 29-year-old Macedonian goalkeeper then remembered the historic World Cup qualification play-off win over Italy in Palermo last year, a result that saw the Azzurri miss out on the tournament in Qatar.
“That was a historic match for all of North Macedonia. An incredible night. Thanks to Trajkovski’s goal we did something extraordinary. I also have a special relationship with Italy.
“I made my national team debut in 2017 in Turin, and we drew 1 -1, like two months ago in the first leg. You are a big name in world football, yet against you we always find a way to give our best.”