Giacomo Raspadori admits Italy made a few too many mistakes against North Macedonia, but they want the victory against Ukraine on Monday. ‘That has to be our mentality.’
The Azzurri had been leading 3-0 at the Stadio Olimpico this evening through Matteo Darmian’s header and a Federico Chiesa brace, despite Jorginho seeing his penalty saved.
North Macedonia fought back to 3-2 and created a tense atmosphere, but Raspadori and Stephan El Shaarawy rounded out the 5-2 result.
“We controlled the game from start to finish, other than that brief period where we conceded two goals,” Raspadori told RAI Sport.
“We have to build on what we did in the first half and try to avoid the mistakes we made in the second. There was a wonderful atmosphere in the stadium and the enthusiasm of a good performance.”
Raspadori had also scored with a great lob in the opening minutes, but the goal was disallowed due to an offside position.
“That was a better goal than the one I scored, but I prefer the second one because it counted!”
This win means that Italy only need a draw against Ukraine on neutral turf in Leverkusen on Monday evening to secure qualification for EURO 2024, thanks to a superior head-to-head record.
“We know there is another decisive match on Monday and we will go out there to win, because wearing the Italy jersey is an honour. This has to be our mentality.”
Why is Fox sports not showing Italy matches in the USA? Disgraceful discrimination!