Italy beat Ukraine as Frattesi scores a brace

Italy beat Ukraine at the San Siro to boost their Euros 2024 qualifying hopes. Luciano Spalletti got his first victory as the manager of the Italian national team. The Azzurri would hope for a better spell under the Scudetto-winning coach. The former Napoli manager made some changes to the eleven that could not get all three points at Spokje. Frattesi came into the setup and showed the difference with his brace, while Raspadori played a false nine role that gave Italy a different dimension in attack.

The Azzurri dominated possession from the start and were looking to make combinations in the wider regions. They got their goal through sustained pressure from Zaccagni, as Sudakov had a slip. The Lazio winger squared the ball to Frattesi, who was waiting to unleash his shot and finished it perfectly.

The Nerazzurri midfielder had the freedom to attack the box as Raspadori was playing as a false nine. This created problems for the Ukraine defense, as they could not mark Italy’s attackers properly. Spalletti, who managed to excel with Totti at Roma in the false nine role, is trying to replicate his tactics with Raspadori. This strategy will be useful against teams that sit in a low block.

Italy beat Ukraine and move to second spot in the Group C

The Azzurri did not stop after their first goal, as Zaniolo showed his class playing on the right side for this match. The Aston Villa forward came inside dribbling past a couple of players. But, his shot got deflected and came to Frattesi, who was again in an advanced position, and he managed to swivel a shot that found the net.

Rebrov’s side got one back before the break after a brilliant move. The through ball to Dovbyk had more weight than required, but he kept the move alive. He got it back from Yarmolenko, but his shot was saved brilliantly by Donnarumma. However, the PSG keeper could not stop Yarmolenko on the rebound.

Italy had a nervous second half, as they could not finish several chances. Raspodori missed a few key chances, but the Azzurri were continuing with their domination. Also, Locatelli’s shot hit the crossbar after a series of chances around the 68th minute. Spalletti made some changes to get all three points at the San Siro.