“I’m not afraid of anything”

Hosts Germany, Spain, Scotland, runner-up world champions France, England, Turkey, Portugal, Belgium and Austria – nine of the 24 participating nations for EURO 2024, which will be drawn on December 2nd in the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, have now been determined.

Albania, Serbia, Slovenia, Denmark and Slovakia are also on the right track. However, the reigning champion Italy is lagging behind. The Squadra Azzurra slipped to third place in Group C after losing 3-1 to England at Wembley Stadium in London – three points behind Ukraine, who will face the showdown on November 20th.

Before that, Luciano Spalletti’s team will host the dangerous North Macedonians on November 17th, who shattered Italy’s dream of the 2022 World Cup with a 1-0 away win in the play-off. Spalletti still remains cool personified: “I’m not afraid of anything. It’s normal to have to play knockout games like this.” Postscript: “We need to have an even better attitude.” Six points are still up for grabs, Italy needs four to accompany leaders England to the European Championships. In any case, the latest result fits with the current sadness in the world “Boot nation”.

The new betting scandal has had its first legal consequences since Tuesday: Juventus international player Nicolo Fagioli has been banned for seven months following an agreement with prosecutors at the sports court. The relatively mild sanction amounts to a total of twelve months, but the 22-year-old midfielder can serve five of them with a number of other commitments. This includes Fagioli undergoing treatment for gambling addiction for six months.

Neymar’s tears

In South America, qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico has long been underway. World champion Argentina has a clean slate after four games, superstar Lionel Messi fixed one “Double pack” the 2-0 win in Peru. Brazil, on the other hand, suffered their first defeat with a 2-0 defeat in Uruguay. But the next serious injury to Neymar, who was transported away in tears, is worse. The 31-year-old is suspected of having a torn cruciate ligament in his left knee.