Ukraine needs to take advantage of Italy’s poor form in critical Euro 2024 qualifying game
Yuriy Virt (Photo:Юрій Вірт via Instagram)
Ukraine plays Italy in a critical Euro 2024 qualifying match tonight (Sept. 12) at 9:45 EET in Milan.
Former Ukrainian national team goalkeeper and Veres Rivne manager, Yuriy Virt, shared his expectations of the match with Sport.ua on Sept. 12.
The retired goalkeeper believes that the Italian team is in worse shape than England, so Ukraine has a good chance for a positive result in tonight’s match.
“We need to take advantage of it,” he said.
In the last group stage games on Sept. 9, Ukraine earned an impressive 1-1 draw with group leaders England, while Italy only managed a 1-1 draw with an inferior team from North Macedonia.
The top two teams in each group qualify for next summer’s Euro 2024 in Germany. With England comfortably on top of Group C, Ukraine and Italy are fighting for the second qualification spot.
The Italian national team recently changed its manager, which could be a positive factor for the Ukrainians as it takes time for the players to adapt to his philosophy.
“This should definitely be used. If we consider the fact that the Ukrainians will host the Italians later, a draw (in this match) will be fine. Now a lot will depend on whether we have the best possible team on the field, ready to jump over their heads,” said Virt.
Ukrainian manager Serhiy Rebrov also commented on the match at an official pre-game press conference on Sept. 11.
"If we don't give our best, it will be difficult. We know how important this match is for Italy, but we have to think about ourselves. We have to be ready, believe in ourselves and know that only our performance will get us points at San Siro. I don't think the Italian national team is in crisis at the moment. This is a very strong opponent that we have to take very seriously."
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