Italy are preparing for the crunch EURO 2024 qualifiers against North Macedonia and Ukraine, but if the worst comes to the worst, here’s what awaits them in the play-offs.
The Azzurri are currently third in Group C behind England, who have already qualified, and Ukraine.
However, they have a game in hand and a win against North Macedonia on Friday would put them level with Ukraine ahead of their showdown in Leverkusen next Monday night.
A victory on Friday also means a point would be sufficient with Ukraine thanks to a superior head-to-head record, having won 2-1 at San Siro.
If Italy should finish third, then England and Ukraine would head to EURO 2024 and the Nazionale would be guaranteed a play-off spot as top seeds thanks to winning their Nations League group last year.
The play-offs are scheduled for March 21 and 26 in 2024, with only three of the 12 teams participating going through to the tournament itself.
The other nations currently heading for the play-offs as top seeds are Croatia and Poland.
It is structured in one-off games, a semi-final and then a final.
Meanwhile, the EURO 2024 draw will be in December 2023, so with gaps left for the play-off winners.
I’ll tell what awaits, more disappointment.
Why not scrap qualifying for the European championships. How is it the European championships if some teams are there and some are not. Have one big European championships every 4 years with every European nation solely on a knock out basis with no group’s similar to the old European Cup. Extra time and penalties in each match if needed. More exciting format.
croatia will beat us we are out not able to beat macedondia ukraine tells us whear we are even if we make it we will be elimaneted early
I’ve been a azzurri fan since 1978 I was 10.im ashamed there in this position wat is a matter with them group of players got today are shocking not one good striker rubbish defenders it’s sad wudnt. Surprise me at all if Ukraine beat them