Italy 5-2 North Macedonia: Defending champions boost Euro 2024 hopes

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Federico Chiesa scored two goals for Italy in the first half

Defending champions Italy strengthened their bid to qualify for Euro 2024 by beating North Macedonia.

Needing a victory to ensure a point against Ukraine on Monday will be enough to secure their place in Germany next year, the Italians took the lead through Matteo Darmian's header.

Arsenal's Jorginho missed a penalty but a Federico Chiesa double made it 3-0.

Jani Atanasov scored twice for North Macedonia but Giacomo Raspadori and Stephan El Shaarawy wrapped up the win.

The result means Italy move up to second in Group C, behind already-qualified England.