In the early morning of March 25, Beijing time, the Qatar World Cup European Championship qualifier play-off began in full swing, and the remaining 11 teams were divided into three groups, and the only 3 qualifying places were determined through the single-defeat knockout event.
European Champions Italy are in the same group as Portugal, but Italy wants to meet Portugal, and in addition to Portugal eliminating Turkey, Italy itself has to beat North Macedonia.
In terms of world rankings, there is a huge gap between the two teams, Italy is sixth, and North Macedonia is only 67th, but the two teams have something in common, that is, they are second in the group in the group stage.
Italy is in the same group as Switzerland, although the group is undefeated, but Italy's record is only 4 wins and 4 draws, losing to Switzerland, which has 5 wins and 3 draws. North Macedonia is second only to Germany with five wins, three draws and two losses in the group stage, with Romania, Iceland, Armenia and Liechtenstein in this group.
Before the game, Italian coach Mancini said: In the past, the national team game meant a lot, but in the last ten years it has not been treated the same, we have a lot of talented players, we are full of confidence in the game.
How big is the advantage of Italy playing at home?
After the opening, Italy directly improved the offensive rhythm and stepped on the throttle to the end. North Macedonia, which was relatively weak, could only retreat to the field half.
Like a half-time offensive and defensive drill, Italy attacked wildly and North Macedonia struggled to defend.
However, Italy's "ability" to waste opportunities is also jaw-dropping, with players such as Berardi and Immobile missing out on opportunities.
The North Macedonian goalkeeper made a direct pass mistake, and Bernaldi's shot after cutting off the ball was weak and weak, and it was saved by the other side, which was also the closest Italy came to a goal in the first half.
At the end of the half, the two teams were still exchanging blanks, with North Macedonia having only 1 shot on goal and Italy with 16 shots on goal, but only 3 shots on target.
In the second half, North Macedonia took the initiative and soon had a second shot of the game, and Italy's situation was exactly the same as in the first half, continuing to squander opportunities.
Berardi "did not give in", and after completing the anti-aircraft gun in front of the penalty area, he himself fell to his knees, holding his head in chagrin.
The long-unable Italian backcourt was on fire, and in the 91st minute, just as Italy was attacking heavily, Trajkovski scored a dead end.
In the end, Italy was eliminated by North Macedonia 1-0 with 32 shots on goal, and North Macedonia only had 4 shots on goal!
The European Champions League winner and world number six have collapsed, and North Macedonia will face Portugal for a place in the World Cup in Qatar.