Ukraine coach Serhiy Rebrov expects a high-intensity game against the Azzurri of Italy ahead of the EURO 2024 qualifier at San Siro.

The coach who expects Italy to show ‘great intensity’ in a must-win match will have to play without Oleksandr Tymchyk, Ruslan Malinovskyi, and Mykola Shaparenkodye to injury.

They are going into the game off an impressive 1-1 draw with group leaders England.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the game, the tactician revealed that despite dome injuries in the squad, there are 22 outfield players and three goalkeepers.

“So choices must be made, but everyone in the squad can play.”
Rebrov also revealed that Andriy Yarmolenko is training, but he is not 100 percent. He could get some minutes after some light training with the others over the last three or four days.

Italy are also going into the clash after being held to a 1-1 draw in North Macedonia, as an Enis Bardhi free kick canceled out Ciro Immobile’s goal.

This makes the match a must-win for the hosts, as a win at San Siro would put the Azzurri on the same number of points as Ukraine but with a game in hand.

Having a draw in Skopje, Rebrov expects the hosts to be strong.

Although this becomes a head-to-head for qualification, Italy are already guaranteed at least a play-off spot after winning their Nations League group. Only the top two are automatically qualified for EURO 2024.

Speaking on the importance of the game to Italy, Rebrov pointed out that it is a very important game for Ukraine, noting that Italy is a top team and it has always been challenging to play against them.

“We must be confident of getting a positive result at San Siro.

“I don’t understand why people are so critical of Italy, seeing how they play and their level. They didn’t win against North Macedonia but are still playing good football. I saw the changes Luciano Spalletti brought and how his Napoli played,” he added.