ROME (AP) — Federico Chiesa scored two first-half goals and defending champion Italy beat North Macedonia 5-2 Friday to gain a measure of revenge and move closer to qualifying for the European Championship. Italy now needs only a draw against Ukraine on Monday to secure a spot at next year’s tournament in Germany. North Macedonia kept Italy from qualifying for last year’s World Cup with a 1-0 playoff win over the Azzurri in Palermo. Italy and Ukraine now each have 13 points but Italy holds the advantage after beating Ukraine 2-1 in September. England, which beat Malta 2-0 and has 19 points, won the group.

Source: The North Africa Journal November 18, 2023 13:35 UTC