Euro 2024 round-up: Italy cruise to victory against Malta to keep up pressure on England

Italy claimed a routine 4-0 win over Malta to keep the pressure on England in Group C of the Euro 2024 qualifiers.

Giacomo Bonaventura opened the scoring for the Italians with his first international goal and Domenico Berardi then scored twice – either side of half-time – before Davide Frattesi added a fourth in added time.

Ukraine picked up an important three points to boost their group hopes after losing 2-0 North Macedonia.

Ukraine opened the scoring in rather fortunate fashion as a Heorhiy Sudakov shot from outside the box was heavily deflected into the net to make it 1-0.

The Ukrainians had to wait until stoppage time to validate the points when Oleksandr Karavayev spotted goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski off his line before shooting.

In group G, Hungary put themselves in charge to qualify after their defeat Serbia 2-1 at home.

Barnabas Varga put the hosts ahead after 21 minutes, although they were pegged back 12 minutes later by Strahinja Pavlovic, but Hungary immediately regained the lead when the ball fell for Roland Sallai, who fired 25 meters to win the match.

Lithuania recorded their first victory of the playoffs at the sixth attempt thanks to defender Pijus Sirvys’ brace either side of halftime to beat 10 players Bulgaria 2-0.

Three minutes after Adrian Kraev was sent off for a second bookable foul, Lithuania opened the scoring just before halftime after Sirvys headed the ball home from a corner and he doubled their advantage to 10 minutes after the break to recover his first three. competition points.

In group H, North Ireland scored a 3-0 victory against Lowy San Marino.

Paul Smyth opened the scoring for the home side at Windsor Park in superb fashion with his scissor kick from inside the box and they doubled their advantage six minutes later through Josh Magennis before adding a third – nine minutes from time – when Conor McMenamin scored his goal. first international goal from close range.

Slovenia strengthened its grip on qualifying after a 3-0 defeat against Finland.

Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko scored twice in the first half, first from the penalty spot before rushing through on goal and burying his second and all three points were approved in stoppage time thanks to the strike by Eric Janza.

Denmark remained level on points with Slovenia to occupy the top two places after securing a 3-1 victory against Kazakhstan.

Jonas Wind opened the scoring at Parken when he headed home from close range and Robert Skov added a second before latching onto Christian Eriksen’s through ball to score Denmark’s third goal.