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Men's Euro Qualifiers
ITA vs MKD
Men's Euro Qualifiers
Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Italy
vs
North Macedonia
5
FT
2
Action
Lineups
All
Facts Only
All
Full-Time: 5 - 2
That rounds things off from Rome, where Italy has prevailed 5-2 in a cracker of a game! For now, this is Nicholas Friedlander signing out.
North Macedonia offered much more threat in the second half, but after a slow first 45 they never really stood a chance. The first goal to Atanasov was nicely worked, whilst the second opportunist, but to get two goals represented a great effort, and for a moment they looked like fashioning a third. Bardhi linked things nicely, whilst Alioski drew threat, but they didn't quite show enough going forwards. At the other end of the field Stole Dimitrieski was strong despite shipping five, with the quality of the Italian finishing often leaving him no chance.
Italy get the job done, and move into pole position for second spot. They knew three points would give them advantage over Ukraine heading into the last group game, and whilst they still need to avoid defeat in that one, they'd far rather that, than need to win the game. They were devastating in the first half and truthfully didn't really defend overly poorly to concede the two goals, it was more the way the cookie crumbled. They did well to stay composed, and with lethal finishing on the night they put it to bed. Federico Chiesa was excellent on the left wing, so they'll be praying he can get over what looked to be a knock to the knee. Nicolo Barella was also very strong, causing plenty of chaos in the half-spaces. They'll now prepare for that Ukraine game in a buoyant mood.
An entertaining game comes to an end at the Stadio Olimpico, and despite the threat of a North Macedonia comeback, Italy come away with all three points. They were seemingly home and hosed at half-time, but a pair of goals for Jani Atanasov fired North Macedonia back into the game, which was reward for more adventure from the visitors. Truthfully though, never had enough threat to fashion another clear-cut chance, as Italy hit them with two more goals to restore the three goal lead.
90+6'
Bardhi gets onto a ball in midfield, working away to the right for Ristovski. He elected to work backwards though, and that brings about the end of the game.
90+5'
Alimi loses out, with Frattesi driving straight through midfield. He linked right for Zaniolo, but his feet let him down, as he saw it behind for a goal kick.
90+4'
North Macedonia jump straight onto the front foot, and Bardhi draws a foul. He looks to work it quickly back across to the right flank.
90+3'
A CHERRY ON TOP! Gatti gets up but doesn't win it, though it came for El Shaarawy to strike back into the crowd. It was well blocked, but the home side worked back down the left, where Dimarco pulled it back across the top of the box for El Shaaraway to spin it first time into the bottom right corner.
5
-
2
S. El Shaarawy
Assist: F. Dimarco
90+3'