The Euro 2021 Champions, Italy, currently sit third in Group C of the European Championship qualifiers – meaning the Azzurri may miss out on another major tournament. They can still qualify for the competition, but what needs to happen for Italy to compete in Euro 2024?
Italy 2022 World Cup Woes
Italy are the current holders of the European Championship, winning the competition in 2021 after a penalty-shootout victory over England in the final.
However, since then the Azzurri failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, despite a stellar start to their group campaign.
Their group consisted of Switzerland, Northern Ireland, Bulgaria and Lithuania, meaning Italy were favourites to top the group.
After three straight wins, Roberto Mancini’s side were top of Group C and went on to win Euro 2021 before returning to the World Cup qualification group.
Two draws hindered Italy’s progress but with two games remaining, they looked set to qualify but a further two draws saw Italy finish second and enter the play-off stages to reach the World Cup.
A 1-0 loss to North Macedonia sealed Roberto Mancini’s fate and Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup once again, after missing out in 2018 too.
Can Italy Qualify For Euro 2024?
Italy currently sit third in Group C, a group consisting of England, Ukraine, North Macedonia and Malta – meaning they are at risk of missing another major tournament.
Losing to England twice, drawing to North Macedonia and winning the rest, Italy have endured a mixed qualification campaign.
They are now in a position where either Italy or Ukraine qualify along with England, as they face each other in the final match of the group.
Italy have a game in hand over Ukraine, as they face North Macedonia on Friday and a win will move the nations level on points going into the final match.
How Italy Can Qualify:
- Italy beat North Macedonia and Ukraine (progress with 16 points).
- Italy beat North Macedonia and draw to Ukraine (progress on Goal Difference).
- Italy lose to North Macedonia but match that result with a win over Ukraine (progress on Goal Difference).
Upcoming Fixtures In Group C
Friday 17th November:
- England vs Malta (19:45)
- Italy vs North Macedonia (19:45)
Monday 20th November:
- North Macedonia vs England (19:45)
- Ukraine vs Italy (19:45)
Add Sportslens to your Google News Feed!
