Famous Ukrainian TV presenter Igor Tsyganik made a prediction for the Euro 2024 qualifying match between Ukraine and Italy.
- The decisive game for Ukraine in the qualifying round for Euro 2024. Although I wouldn't overstate the situation, because in case of failure, Ukraine will have a chance to get to Germany through the play-offs against much weaker opponents. So this is a kind of first attempt for us.
Speaking of the game itself, the Italians left a very good impression in their 5-2 win over North Macedonia. What complicates the problem for us is that Ukraine is only satisfied with a win. In my memory, the only other similarly motivated opponent we defeated was the Portuguese national team. It was also a top opponent then, and the reigning European champion. It's a good tradition, and we have every chance of continuing it. In the last rounds of the qualifying stage, Ukraine traditionally defeats the European champions. God willing, Rebrov will continue Shevchenko's tradition.
The Italians will play very carefully. What they say in the media that they think only about winning, that they will not close down, that they do not think about a draw, which suits them perfectly - I do not believe it. They know how to achieve a positive result for themselves, especially if they take control of the ball.
The Ukrainian national team needs to put pressure on the Scuadra Azzurra as much as possible, to impose the fight as much as possible. In a competition of such chess football, we are unlikely to be able to do anything.
But there are chances. It would be ideal if we could open the scoring quickly, score first - the chances of bringing the game to a winning result would then increase significantly. It should also be borne in mind that Italy played an official match against North Macedonia, spent their strength, while we played a friendly sparring match against Lechia with two teams. I think that somewhere around the 60th minute, the Italians will feel tired and tired.
So, I will not risk betting on the victory of the Ukrainian national team, but I will bet on the exchange of goals in Leverkusen and Artem Dovbyk's goal - the Girona striker is in great shape now, he can again score a well-aimed shot," Tsyganik said.