Reigning champions Italy are getting ready for a decisive qualifier with Ukraine for a spot at Euro 2024, whereas former winners the Netherlands and 2016 semi-finalists Wales are additionally aiming to ebook their tickets to the finals in Germany. The final two rounds of qualifying matches happen over the subsequent week, and a complete of 12 nations will safe their spots in subsequent month’s attract Hamburg for the match to go along with 9 who’re already assured to be there.
Continental heavyweights Spain, France, England, Belgium and Portugal have already certified together with hosts Germany, Turkey, Scotland and Austria for the 24-nation finals which is able to run June 14 to July 14 subsequent 12 months.
Italy, who beat England on penalties at Wembley within the closing of the final European Championship in 2021 to assert the title for the second time, nonetheless have work to do to keep away from lacking one other main match.
Having didn’t qualify for both of the final two World Cups, there’s a hazard the Azzurri won’t be in Germany to defend their title after a qualifying marketing campaign throughout which coach Roberto Mancini give up both aspect of defeats dwelling and away to England.
– Ukraine goal to disclaim holders –
But the equation is straightforward for the workforce now coached by Luciano Spalletti — no matter occurs after they face North Macedonia in Rome on Friday, win towards Ukraine in Germany subsequent Monday and they’ll qualify.
A draw towards Ukraine will suffice in the event that they beat North Macedonia first. Lose their final sport, however, and Ukraine will progress to the finals as a substitute, whereas Italy will drop into the play-offs subsequent March which is able to decide the ultimate three qualifiers.
That may be a situation they’ll desperately wish to keep away from, having didn’t qualify for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups after dropping play-off ties to Sweden and North Macedonia respectively.
“Now we have to deal with the concern. It will likely be there by our aspect as we go,” indicated Spalletti this week when requested concerning the excessive stakes dealing with his workforce within the Group C finale.
In the meantime, there seems little prospect of the Netherlands failing of their bid to hitch France in qualifying from Group B.
A win at dwelling to the Republic of Eire in Amsterdam on Saturday will do the job for Ronald Koeman’s aspect. And in the event that they slip up, they’ll have one other probability after they face Gibraltar on Tuesday.
– Croatia nonetheless in operating –
Assuming they do wrap up qualification, that may depart Euro 2004 winners Greece to accept a spot within the play-offs, as decided by their performances within the final UEFA Nations League.
Wales have recovered from a wobble as they adapt to life with out Gareth Bale and at the moment are hopeful of securing a spot at a 3rd consecutive Euro finals.
Rob Web page’s aspect appeared up towards it in Group D following defeats by Armenia and Turkey in June, however a 2-1 win over Croatia in Cardiff final month, when Harry Wilson scored twice, has left them with qualification in their very own fingers.
Poland to overlook out?
A win in Armenia on Saturday, and one other at dwelling to already-qualified Turkey three days later, will take them via.
“The mindset we have got is we will get a outcome towards anybody. We have proven that,” mentioned Wales captain Ben Davies.
Croatia are able to make the most of any slip-up by the Welsh, however in any other case the 2018 World Cup runners-up, and 2022 semi-finalists, should attempt once more within the play-offs.
Different nations poised to qualify embody Denmark, Hungary, Serbia, Slovenia and Slovakia, whereas Albania are set to go to a second Euro in three editions.
They want only a draw away to minnows Moldova on Friday with a purpose to qualify from Group E, wherein Robert Lewandowski‘s Poland look prone to miss out.
They, like Erling Haaland’s Norway, may no less than nonetheless get into the play-offs, as they goal to keep away from the destiny of Sweden, the most important nation to already be eradicated.
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