European champion Italy took a big step Tuesday (Sep 12) toward being able to defend its title. Spain and Belgium won easily on their path to Euro 2024. Sweden looks like it's failing to qualify for the first time in 28 years.
Davide Frattesi scored twice as Italy claimed a crucial win over Ukraine to keep alive their hopes of reaching Euro 2024.
After a 1-1 draw in North Macedonia, the defending European champions were third in Group C. However, Frattesi scored twice in the first 29 minutes to put Italy in charge. Andriy Yarmolenko pulled one back, but it was not enough to deny Italy as they moved above Ukraine into second place.
England, who beat Scotland 3-1 in a friendly at Hampden Park, lead the section on 13 points from five games with Italy on seven points from four matches.
Ukraine and North Macedonia both have seven points from five matches, with only the top two sides at the end of the group phase qualifying for Euro 2024 in Germany.
Italy play Malta at home in their next qualifier on Oct 14 before a match against England at Wembley three days later.
