October 15, (THEWILL) – Italy inched a step closer to qualification for Euro 2024 after a commanding 4-0 win against Malta on Saturday. The victory lifts Italy above Ukraine into second place in Group C.
The opening goal came from veteran midfielder, Giacomo Bonaventura, scoring his first ever goal for the national team at age 34. Bonaventura pounced on a loose ball on the edge of the area before looping his shot over the Malta keeper.
Italy doubled their lead just before halftime through a Domenico Berardi effort. Berardi exchanged passes with Nicolo Barella before curling a shot into the far corner.
The Azzurri continued to dominate after the break, with Berardi grabbing his second of the match following a deflected cross. Sassuolo midfielder Davide Frattesi then rounded off the scoring deep into injury time.
The emphatic win leaves Italy just three points behind group leaders England, who they face next on Tuesday in a pivotal clash. Italy will be hoping to build on this performance as they aim to secure automatic qualification for the Euros.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
