Nestorovski: ‘Italy’s loss to us in Palermo will weigh on them’

North Macedonia striker Ilija Nestorovski underlined his side’s ambitions and confidence ahead of their Euro 2024 qualifier with Italy.

The Azzurri currently sit third in Group C with two games left to play, sitting three points behind second place Ukraine, who’ve played an extra match. North Macedonia sit just behind in fourth, a win behind Italy, and goal difference means they have almost no chance of qualifying automatically.

Italy infamously suffered a heartbreaking defeat to North Macedonia in a World Cup play-off match in Palermo last year, a result that confirmed the team’s absence from a second consecutive World Cup. Fans are now afraid that another major international tournament could be missed.

Speaking to TMW, Nestorovski first spoke about the qualities of North Macedonia.

“Tonight, you will face a solid and compact team, which closes down well in defence. And then the last matches against Italy have been positive, in the last three matches we haven’t lost, and we want to continue that trend.”

He touched on the growth of the national team over the last few years.

“In the last seven-eight years we have grown a lot. There was the European Championship and then these results against you.

“I think the fact that they lost against us in Palermo and then the draw in Skopje could weigh on Italy. A bit of luck, of course, but we did well, and we want to continue on this path.”

The 33-year-old striker spoke about some of North Macedonia’s key players.

“Definitely Elmas, today he is our star. But Miovski is also doing very well at Aberdeen, and we cannot forget Trajkovski, the scorer of the goal in Palermo. Also Bardhi, always very good between the lines.

“Now we can no longer grab the top two spots and we have nothing to lose, we want to make a good impression.”

Finally, Nestorovski was asked if he was going to retire from the North Macedonia national team.

“Absolutely not, the chapter is not closed. After all, I was only in the group until a few months ago, I played there even when I was without a team.

“In October and November, I wasn’t called up, it’s true, but with Ascoli I found consistency and I hope to return soon. I’m young, I still have a lot to give.”