Today, on September 12, the Ukraine national team played an away match in Milan's "San Siro" as part of Euro-2024 qualification against Italy.

Three days ago, Serhiy Rebrov's charges drew with England (1:1), but today they faced an equally important match against a main group rival. Additionally, the Italians were eager to redeem themselves after their draw with North Macedonia (1:1) in front of their fans.

The coach of the Ukrainian national team made three changes to the starting lineup: Krivtsov replaced the injured Matviyenko, Dovbik took Yaremchuk's place, and Yarmolenko appeared as well, while Mudryk remained on the bench.

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

The hosts started the match strongly, putting pressure on our defense with dynamic attacks. Initially, Di Lorenzo missed from a rebound, and then Raspadori failed to score from a dangerous position. However, at the 12th minute mark, Italy opened the scoring—Sudakov slipped, allowing Dzakkané to pass to Frattesi.

The "Azzurri" continued their attacks, with Barrella's header shot blocked by Zabarny. Raspadori also missed again after a teammate's assist. However, at the 29th minute mark, Italy scored another goal—after Dianzolo's pass, Frattesi miraculously avoided an offside and outmaneuvered Bushchan.

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

The Ukrainians started to respond dangerously closer to halftime. Sudakov set up Dovbik for a shot, but Donnarumma was on hand to save it. Italy responded with another dangerous attack that ended in Raspadori's shot off target. And yet, at the 41st minute mark, Ukraine finally equalized through a combination play. Dovbik received the ball in the penalty area and passed around with his teammates but failed to score, but immediately Yarmolenko capitalized on Dimarco’s mistake and scored.

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

The second half began with a few decent attacks from the Ukrainians. Initially, Italy blocked Tsygankov's dangerous shot, and later Dovbik broke into the penalty area but missed from an acute angle. The hosts responded with a great attack when Dzakkané was left alone at 11 meters, but he shot wide. On the 59th minute mark, after Bushchan’s mistake, Raspadori found himself in a shooting position again, but the keeper's brilliant reaction saved Ukraine from conceding another goal.

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

The Italians continued to dominate, with Scalvini missing from a corner kick. Dianzolo tested Bushchan with a long-range shot, and in the next attack Locatelli missed narrowly from several meters out. On the 77th minute mark, Biraghi scored from a penalty kick but hit the post.

Near the end of the match, the hosts focused on maintaining their lead. At the 83rd minute mark, Ukraine earned another dangerous free-kick, but Mudryk missed over the bar. Shortly after, Konoplya's header from a cross also went wide. Italy had one last chance when Di Lorenzo shot narrowly off target following a corner kick. In stoppage time, Vanat fired an inaccurate long-range shot. The score remained unchanged at 2:1 in favor of Italy.

EURO-2024 Qualification Group S

6th Matchday

Italy — Ukraine — 2:1 (2:1)

Goals: Frattesi (12, 29) — Yarmolenko (41).

Italy: Donnarumma (c), Di Lorenzo, Scalvini, Bastoni, Dimarco (Biraghi, 58), Frattesi, Locatelli, Barella (Kristante, 84), Dianzolo (Orsolini, 72), Raspadori (Retequi, 72), Dzakkané (Nyantó, 58).

Substitutes: Vicario, Meret, Romagnoli, Darmian, Pesina, Immobile, Calabria.

Captain: Luca Spalletti.

Ukraine: Bushchan, Konoplya, Zabarny, Krivtsov, Mykolenko, Stepanenko (Sidorchuk, 84), Zenchenko (Boyalskyi, 75), Tsygankov (Vanat, 75), Sudakov, Yarmolenko (c) (Mudryk, 58), Dovbik (Yaremchuks, 58).

Substitutes: Trubin, Lunin, Mykhaylichenko, Popov, Zubkov, Karavaev, Nazarina.

Captain: Serhiy Rebrov.

Referee: Alejandro Hernández (Spain).

Yellow cards: Mykolenko (38), Konoplya (62), Stepanenko (76), Zabarny (78).

September 12. Milan. "San Siro".

Malta — North Macedonia — 0:2 (0:2)

Standings

7th Matchday

October 14, 2023

Ukraine — North Macedonia (16.00)

Italy — Malta (21.45)