How Italy avoided shocking qualifying failure with a huge win

The Italians have often resorted to the notion of luck as a means to rationalize their astonishing failure to qualify for a second consecutive World Cup. It is true that they had an impressive total of 32 shots during their 1-0 playoff loss to North Macedonia last March, yet the goal simply eluded them.

However, to attribute the Azzurri’s misfortune solely to luck would be to overlook a crucial aspect. It is essential to recognize that Italy left themselves susceptible to such unfavorable circumstances by failing to claim the top spot in their group, thereby necessitating their involvement in the playoffs.

The trajectory of Italy’s performance in major tournaments since their triumphant World Cup victory in 2006 presents a complex narrative. While it is true that they have not progressed past the group stage in the World Cup since 2006, winning only one group stage match in 2014 against England, their display in the Euros tells a different tale.

Italy emerged as champions in Euro 2020, reached the final in 2012, and were unfortunate to be eliminated in the quarterfinals via a penalty shootout in 2016. Therefore, it would be overly simplistic to ascribe their struggles solely to a decline in quality or ability. The reality is far more nuanced and multifaceted.

Despite the resilience Italy showcased in the last Euro, there remains a concerning lack of the necessary quality to consistently perform at the highest level. This is precisely why Italy find themselves in a precarious situation once again.

After suffering back-to-back defeats against England, Italy were left in a position where securing four points from their last two matches against North Macedonia and Ukraine was imperative to avoid the uncertainty of the playoffs and secure their qualification for Euro 2024.

North Macedonia, in particular, has proven to be Italy’s bogey team, having denied them a spot in the 2022 Qatar World Cup and held them to a draw in September during new coach Luciano Spalletti’s debut. Adding to the challenge, Italy must contend with the absence of several key players due to injuries or suspensions.

But how delightful it is to witness Italy’s spirited response as they aim to exorcise the haunting memories of last year’s traumatic World Cup qualification failure and seek redemption against North Macedonia. Right from the opening minute, Italy displayed an abundance of energy, swiftly asserting their dominance. 

It was in the 17th minute that Matteo Darmian, left unmarked, found the back of the net with a header following a well-executed corner. As the match progressed, Italy had an opportunity to widen their lead from the penalty spot after Nikola Serafimov’s handball, but unfortunately, Jorginho’s attempt was saved.

The haunting specter of another calamity threatened to disrupt Italy’s aspirations once more, reminiscent of that fateful missed penalty by Jorginho at the very same venue that cost them direct qualification to the previous World Cup.

The fear of those old demons resurfacing loomed large, but the nerves were swiftly quelled as Federico Chiesa swiftly stepped up to double Italy’s lead with a powerful low drive. Just before halftime, Chiesa struck again, this time with a looping effort, further solidifying Italy’s advantage.

It appeared that victory was within Italy’s grasp, but Jani Atanasov of North Macedonia had other plans. He managed to pull one back with a header early in the second half and then capitalized on a deflection off Italy defender Francesco Acerbi to score once more, injecting a sense of unease into the closing stages of the match for the hosts.

What a relief it was when Giacomo Raspadori calmed any concerns of a potential collapse with a splendidly struck finish, arriving nine minutes before the final whistle. And to further cement their dominance, El Shaarawy added another goal in stoppage time.

The triumph in Rome propelled Italy to the second position in Group C, with England having already secured their qualification. This favorable position now places Spalletti’s team in a scenario where a draw against Ukraine, who currently sit in third place, in their last match on Monday, would secure their place in next summer’s Euro in Germany.

“I do believe that we witnessed Italy at their finest in terms of both character and quality, showing remarkable strength to persevere and secure the well-deserved victory,” expressed Spalletti afterwards. Thankfully, this time around, Italy did not rely on the whims of luck, just as the saying goes, “God helps those who help themselves.”