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.