Berardi scores brace as Italy ease past Malta

Italy climbed to the automatic qualifying positions for Euro 2024 following a convincing 4-0 win against Malta at Stadio San Nicola on Saturday.

Giacomo Bonaventura scored his first international goal at the age of 34 to give Luciano Spalletti's team an early lead.

Domenico Berardi displayed a brilliant strike just before half-time to extend Italy's lead.

Berardi found the net again in the second half, shortly after the one-hour mark, securing his second goal and Italy's third.

In stoppage time, Davide Frattesi added a fourth goal for the Squadra Azzurra.

As a result of this victory, Italy moved ahead of Ukraine and now occupies the second place in their group.

Luciano Spaletti's men are set to face Group C leaders England on Tuesday, with only three points separating the two teams.