The match in Leverkusen at the BayArena was to determine the owner of second place in Group C and a direct qualification for the European Championship. Considering their advantage in head-to-head matches, Italy settled for a draw, while Ukraine needed only a win. Serhiy Rebrov decided to leave Taloviyev, Nazarin, and Karavaev out of the matchday squad.

Photo by Pavel Kubanov

From the first minutes, the game was bright and dynamic. On the 5th minute, Tsygankov shot from distance, while shortly after K’eza spared Ukraine a penalty kick following D’zambal’o’s foul. Then, blue-and-yellow made several good attacks but without finishing them off. Later, goalkeepers of both teams came to the rescue — after Svyatoslav Sudakov and Barrella’s shots respectively.

In the middle of the first half, Italians took control and created several goal-scoring opportunities. First, Di Lorenzo shot close to the post following another corner kick from "Squadra Azzurra", then Trubin parried Frattesi’s one-on-one attempt, while Raspadore nearly converted K’eza’s pass.

Photo by Pavel Kubanov

The second half was tense, and Italy continued to control the game at its start. Only in the 65th minute did Ukraine have a moment — after Konoply’s throw-in, the ball reached Mudryk, but he couldn't get past Donnarumma. Near the end of the match, Rebrov’s men desperately tried to break through their opponents' tight defense but failed to score the needed goal.

Thus, Ukraine secured third place in Group C and, unfortunately, did not qualify for the Euro 2024 finals directly, but they will have a chance to earn qualification via the League of Nations playoffs, which will take place next spring. The draw will be held on November 23rd; potential semifinal opponents (March 21st) include Wales or Poland (in the path of League A), Israel and Bosnia and Herzegovina (in the path of League B). This match will be played away, while the venue for the final in case of success (March 26th) will be determined by the draw.

Photo by Pavel Kubanov

As of now, 20 participants in the Euro 2024 final stage are known. Besides the host nation, they include Albania, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, France, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Scotland, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, and Turkey.

EURO 2024. Qualifying Tournament. Group S

Tenth Round

Ukraine — Italy — 0:0

Ukraine: Trubin, Konoply (Timchik, 86), Svynok (Malinovskiy, 90+1), Zabarny, Mykolenko, Stepanenko (c) (Pikhalonok, 80), Tsygankov (Zubkov, 80), Sudakov, Zenchenko (Sykan, 86), Mudryk, Dovbik.

Reserves: Bushchan, Riznyk, Bondar, Sidorchuk, Yaremchuk, Dubynchak, Matviyenko.

Coach: Serhiy Rebrov.

Italy: Donnarumma (c), Di Lorenzo, Acherbi, Bonucci, Dumbrone, Dimarco, Frattesi, Jorginho (Kristante, 71), Barella, D’zambal’o (Politan, 71, Darmian, 90+1), Raspadore (Scamacca, 46), K’eza (Kin, 81).

Reserves: Peruzzi, Vigarri, Gatti, Biraghi, Bonaventura, El Shaarawy, Manchini.

Referee: Jesus Gil Manzano (Spain).

Yellow cards: Konoply (79) — Bonucci (7).

November 20. Leverkusen. BayArena stadium.

North Macedonia — England — 1:1 (1:0)

Final Standings