Italy were held to a 1-1 draw with North Macedonia in Luciano Spelletti’s first match in charge, with Enis Bardhi’s late free kick cancelling out a Ciro Immobile goal.
Sandro Tonali came the closest of anyone to scoring in a goalless first half, but struck the near post after going through on-on-one with the goalkeeper.
Bojan Miovski had North Macedonia’s best chance of the that period, but headed wide after brilliant work from Ezgjan Alioski to win the ball, drive forward and then cross for the Aberdeen striker.
Just two minutes after the break Italy got their breakthrough, with Immobile heading in on the rebound after Nicolo Barela hit the bar.
The Azzurri did not kick on though, North Macedonia always carried a threat and Bardhi scored an excellent equaliser on 81 minutes, curling a fierce free kick beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The draw means Italy have four points from three games in Group C of Euro 2024 qualification, three points behind Ukraine who they play in Milan on Tuesday. North Macedonia have four points from four matches.
