(Football news) Italy, who are presently ranked second in the section, will advance if they avoid losing to Ukraine; nevertheless, a win against the Blues would guarantee the hosts’ place in the championship game.

Ukraine was disadvantaged in the section after earning just one point from their two September Euro 2024 qualifying matches against Italy and England. However, they bounced back in October, defeating both North Macedonia and Malta to advance to 13 points in Group C.

With a win on Monday night, Serhiy Rebrov’s team, who now sit third in the section but are tied with Italy on points, would secure the runner-up position behind England and a ticket at Euro 2024 automatically.

Even if Ukraine lost to Italy, their chances of participating in the tournament would still exist because they are likely to advance to the UEFA Nations League B playoffs, albeit that is not yet confirmed.

Although the Blue and Yellows did not attend the 2022 World Cup finals, they did make it to the Euro 2020 competition and advanced to the quarterfinals before falling to England 4-0 in the round of eight.

Italy and Ukraine have never won an international game; in fact, the two teams have lost seven of their past nine encounters, including a 2-1 setback in Group C in September.

It is already known that a victory or a draw against Ukraine will secure Italy’s place in Euro 2024; but, should they not place among the top two, the Blues will still guarantee a playoff position in UEFA Nations League A.

The team captained by Luciano Spalletti lost 3-1 to England in the previous month, but they bounced back on Friday night, defeating North Macedonia 5-2 to take over second place.

In their match in Rome, the Blues led North Macedonia 3-2 at one point, but the visitors responded with two goals in the 74th and final minutes to take all three points away from the game.
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