Italy's Football Fears Resurface as Europe's Champions Tumble Once More
The Italian national football team, fresh from their Euro 2020 triumph, now finds themselves trembling on the brink of missing another major tournament. After a dismal 2022 World Cup qualification campaign, Italy once again finds itself struggling in its bid for the 2024 European Championship – and their latest adversary? None other than North Macedonia.
Italian coach Luciano Spalletti is the epitome of calm in the storm. "We've got to deal with our fear," he says. "It will accompany us on our way." The road to Germany has been a bumpy one for Spalletti's charges, with qualification anything but certain. As they prepare for their meeting with North Macedonia this Friday (20:45/DAZN), a sense of déjà vu grips the nation.
Back in March 2022, North Macedonia dealt the Italian footballers a bitter blow, preventing their participation in the World Cup for the second time in a row. Now, as the specter of another major tournament absence looms, the entire football-obsessed nation is once again awash with anxiety. A defeat to North Macedonia would only heighten the pressure on Spalletti's side.
The final Group C match, against Ukraine on Monday, promises to be a titanic struggle. A victory over North Macedonia would put the Italians on the brink of qualification, requiring only a draw against Ukraine. However, given Ukraine's displacement from hosting due to the Russian attack, it's a daunting prospect.
Spalletti remains Untouched by Pressure
The Italians may have the power to dictate their own destiny, but Spalletti remains unperturbed. "A win in the first game would be a nice advantage in the second," he states matter-of-factually. Yet, despite his confidence, the 64-year-old doesn't embrace fond memories of facing North Macedonia in his first match as Italy's coach.
The 1-1 draw in September 2021, his debut on the sidelines, was far from a triumphant start. The pressure on Spalletti continues to mount as he confronts his toughest challenge yet. The betting scandal that engulfed Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Fagioli, the Italians' struggle with SSC Napoli, and Spalletti's decision to part ways with the Italian association for Saudi Arabian riches all contribute to a complex campaign.
The Italians' World Cup journey provided a glimpse of their ultimate destination, only for them to stumble at the final hurdle. After dramatic victories over Sweden and North Macedonia in the playoffs, they finally secured a spot in Qatar. But their EuroBasket Women 2025 qualification efforts, while unrelated to the World Cup and upcoming European Championship, illustrate the trials they have faced and may still confront.
Italy's anxious anticipation of the 2024 European Championship escalates amid their latest clash with North Macedonia. With memories of 2022 World Cup qualifiers still fresh in many minds, Italy must summon the resolve to navigate this challenging phase and secure their place in the tournament.
Spalletti implores his squad to confront their fears and harness them as a source of motivation, acknowledging the challenging nature of their journey thus far.
Enrichment Insights Integration:
In reality, North Macedonia did not hinder Italy's qualification for the 2022 World Cup or the 2024 European Championship. Their mention in the context of the EuroBasket Women 2025 qualifiers is irrelevant to Italy's qualification for these major tournaments. Despite Spalletti's claims, Italy qualified for the World Cup through the UEFA qualification process, finishing second in Group C and advancing via the playoffs.
Consequently, any assertions that North Macedonia directly impacted Italy's qualification to either tournament is, unfortunately, misleading.
