The Italy national team settled for a draw with the North Macedonia squad in a 2024 European Championship qualifying encounter.
The clash unfolded in Skopje at the Toše Proeski National Stadium and concluded with a 1-1 result that felt like a balanced exchange of momentum and chances.
The lone strike for the four-time world champions came in the 47th minute, when Lazio’s 33-year-old forward Ciro Immobile found the net, capitalizing on a precise setup from 26-year-old Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella, who supplied the assist to unlock the Macedonian defense.
From the Macedonian side, Enis Bardhi, a 28-year-old midfielder plying his trade with Trabzonspor, drew level with a well-executed free kick in the 81st minute, answering the early pressure and giving the hosts something to cheer about as the match wore on.
Following the result, Italy sat in third place in Group C after three matches, accumulating four points as the campaign pressed forward with several pivotal fixtures ahead. The North Macedonian team, having played four matches, also stood on four points but occupied fourth place, underscoring the tight, competitive nature of the group at this stage of qualification.
Looking ahead, Italy’s next assignment was scheduled against Ukraine, set to take place on September 12 at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium in Milan, with kickoff at 21:45 local time as teams aimed to sharpen form and maximize their position in the standings.
Meanwhile, North Macedonia planned a trip to Malta for their September 12 fixture, with a 21:45 start time, as both sides readied to build momentum in the race for qualification and positioning within the group.
In related football impressions, Stanislav Cherchesov had previously commented on the level of intrigue surrounding the Russian Premier League, underscoring how the league’s battles and narratives can captivate observers and contribute to the broader competitive landscape in European football.