Italy sneak finals spot

The defending champions Italy secured their spot at Euro 2024 last night but only after a nervy 0-0 draw with Ukraine. The Azzurri dominated early on but the game, being played in Leverkusen due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, opened up after the break and Italy were grateful to Gianluigi Donnarumma for several fine saves. Ukraine will need to come through the playoffs if they are to qualify. The Czech Republic, in Group E, and Slovenia, in Group H, sealed their places in the finals with victories over Moldova and Kazakhstan respectively. Also in Group H, already-eliminated Northern Ireland were surprise 2-0 winners over Denmark in Belfast.