Ukraine to host Italy in head-to-head battle for direct ticket to EURO 2024

Italians to move to championship with victory or draw over Ukraine, who must beat their rivals to qualify automatically

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukraine will face Italy on Monday as both teams will fight for a ticket to the final part of EURO 2024.

The Group C clash will take place in Germany's BayArenaLeverkusen stadium. Due to the Russia-Ukraine war, Ukraine is forced to make their home appearances in third countries.

The second-placed Azzurri will travel to next summer's tournament with a victory or draw against Ukraine, who must defeat their opponents to qualify automatically.

"We need an Italy that has strong characters and players who know how to face these situations." Italy manager Luciano Spalletti said in a press conference.

Collecting 13 points, both Italy and Ukraine are six points behind Group C leaders England, who already move to EURO 2024. North Macedonia are fourth with seven points.

"We will fight to win and do our best," Ukraine midfielder Georgiy Sudakov said.

"Beating Italy and qualifying for the finals is our dream," Sudakov added.

Türkiye, Spain, Scotland, France, England, Belgium, Austria, Portugal, Hungary, Slovakia, Albania, Denmark, and hosts Germany have already secured places for EURO 2024.

The EURO 2024 playoff draw will be played in Nyon, Switzerland on Thursday. The full draw for the group stages in Europe's flagship international event will be made on Saturday.

The draw ceremony is due to start at the iconic Elbphilharmonie concert hall building.

A total of 12 national sides will play in the EURO 2024 playoffs on March 21 and 26 2024, qualifying via their performances in the Nations League. Three of them will earn last-minute tickets to the final tournament.

- Monday

Group C: North Macedonia vs England, Ukraine vs Italy

Group E: Albania vs Faroe Islands, Czech Republic vs Moldova

Group H: Northern Ireland vs Denmark, San Marino vs Finland, Slovenia vs Kazakhstan

- Tuesday

Group B: Gibraltar vs Netherlands, Greece vs France

Group D: Croatia vs Armenia, Wales vs Türkiye

Group I: Andorra vs Israel, Kosovo vs Belarus, Romania vs Switzerland

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