Defending European champions Italy drew 1-1 with North Macedonia in a Euro 2024 qualifier at the weekend to suffer a blow in their hopes of making it to next year’s finals from Group C where leaders England took a valuable point in a 1-1 away draw against Ukraine.
England lead the group on 13 points with Ukraine on seven. Italy and North Macedonia both have four points.
Italy next face a crucial qualifying test against Ukraine on Tuesday.
Luciano Spalletti took charge of Italy for the first time following Roberto Mancini’s shock resignation but his team flopped against the side which dumped them out of the last World Cup in the playoffs.
Ciro Immobile put Italy ahead but Enis Bardhi smashed in a free-kick for the hosts with nine minutes remaining in Skopje.
Ukraine hosted England in Poland and marched out onto the pitch in Wroclow with national flags draped over their shoulders in front of around 40 000 of their own fans.
“Very tough place to come. You could feel the atmosphere, a unique occasion,” said England manager Gareth Southgate after his team’s run of four consecutive wins in the group came to an end.
Belgium went joint top of Group F with a 1-0 away win at Azerbaijan, lifting them level on 10 points with Austria.
Yannick Carrasco scored the only goal in Baku as new manager DomenicoTedesco extended his run to five games without defeat.
