Italy coach Luciano Spalletti hit back at suggestions that his side stole Euro 2024 qualification from Ukraine after late penalty drama.
Tensions flared at the BayArena on Monday after Roma’s Bryan Cristante collided with Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk in the penalty area in the dying minutes of the match. Ukraine were left furious when referee Jesus Gil Manzano decided not to award a penalty, a decision that also divided onlookers.
Italy ultimately held on for a 0-0 draw, a result that guaranteed their second-place finish above Ukraine due to the head-to-head record. The Azzurri have now qualified for next summer’s European Championship, whilst Serhiy Rebrov’s side need to try through the play-offs.
Speaking at the Europe of Tomorrow event in Rome via ANSA, Spalletti responded to the accusations that Italy stole their Euro 2024 qualification from Ukraine.
“We didn’t steal anything, we didn’t just deserve but really deserved to qualify for the European Championship.
“If one extrapolates that incident to be against us, it’s not right, without looking at the rest of the team’s performance.
“The match was difficult due to the pressure it had, and that incident may be doubtful, but certainly not as clear as a lot of people want to say. Disappointing.”
Italy now have the chance to start building towards next summer’s competition and Spalletti is widely expected to start placing greater trust on young players, starting a new cycle with the national team.
Any national team needs a balance of youth and experience. Buffon is involved as a goalkeeping coach and we need Bonucci and Chiellini to help develop the skills of our defenders. We don’t have a consistent striker but we have an indomitable team spirit. We have quality midfielders and Chiesa who is an incredible talent.
keep lnflating the ballon until it pops
If this Italy had a hard time against the war affected Ukraine, who weren’t even playing at home, will struggle at the Euro2024. Gravina must resign, he’s been destroying the team.
Front 3 ,chiesa raspadori berradi or zaniolo, midfield 3 ,grifo , christante, and locateli, also sensi, Bonaventura and castroveli most also be involved if fit .ALSO ANGELO OGBONNA.
names sound good but goals dont go in
ITALY DID NOT STEAL THERE QUALIFICATION, AS FOR ME THE PLAYER MADE TOO MUCH OF THE CHALLENGE AND WENT DOWN LIKE HE WAS SHOT, WHICH ALL PLAYERS TRY AND DO TO GET A PENALTY FOR THERE TEAM.WE SHOULD OF WON THIS GAME, AS WE WERE THE BETTER SIDE ON THE NIGHT FOR ME, SO WE HAD TO SUFFER TO GET THE DRAW. WE NEED TO BUILD A SIDE THAT CAN RETAIN THE TITLE NEXT YEAR, AS I DO NOT SEE US WINNING
AT THIS MOMENT IN TIME, AS WE HAVE PROBLEMS IN DEFENCEM MIDFIELD AND STRIKERS THAT CAN SCORE GAME AFTER GAME. WE DO HAVE A FIGHTING SPIRIT, AS THIS HAS WON US 4 WORLD CUPS AND 2 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS, BUT WILL THIS BE ENOUGH NEXT YEAR? WE WILL HAVE TO SEE. FORZA ITALIA.
We will have a great team come the competition