Reigning champions Italy qualify for Euros after nervy draw

The reigning European champions Italy secured their place in Euro 2024 with a 0-0 draw against Ukraine in Leverkusen on Monday. 

The match, held at BayArena, featured a lively start with both goalkeepers, Italy's Gianluigi Donnarumma and Ukraine's Anatoliy Trubin, making very good saves.

The Squadra Azzurri had the majority of possession and created more opportunities, but Ukraine maintained composure and sought counter-attacks.

In the seventh minute, Italy's Federico Chiesa had a chance to score, but his shot from inside the box narrowly missed the target. Shortly after, Donnarumma then prevented Ukraine from taking the lead with a save against Georgiy Sudakov's low shot.

Close to the half-hour mark, Italy's defender Giovanni Di Lorenzo nearly scored from a corner, but Trubin made a remarkable save to deny Davide Frattesi.

In the second half, Italy continued to dominate, but Ukraine's offensive efforts increased. In the 66th minute, Mykhailo Mudryk came close to scoring, only to be thwarted by Donnarumma's excellent save.

As the match approached its end, Ukraine had a strong claim for a penalty in stoppage time after Bryan Cristante's challenge on Mykhailo Mudryk, but no penalty was awarded, and Italy celebrated their qualification.

Both teams finished with 14 points in Group C, trailing winners England, but Italy secured a higher position due to their 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture.

Ukraine still have the opportunity to secure a place in Euro 2024 through the play-offs scheduled for March, with the draw set to occur on Thursday in Nyon.