Bardhi's Free-Kick Earns North Macedonia 1-1 Draw vs. Italy

 Bardhi's Free-Kick Earns North Macedonia 1-1 Draw vs. Italy

Bardhi's Free-Kick Earns North Macedonia 1-1 Draw vs. Italy(Image-Getty)

In a Euro 2024 Group C qualifier, North Macedonia's captain, Enis Bardhi, delivered a spectacular free-kick that equalized Ciro Immobile's header, resulting in a 1-1 draw against Italy on home turf. This outcome marked a disappointing debut for Luciano Spalletti as the Azzurri coach.

The European champions, Italy, exerted control over the game, and their captain, Immobile, found the net with a header shortly after the break, capitalizing on Nicolo Barella's long-range attempt that struck the crossbar.

However, midfielder Bardhi electrified the crowd by leveling the score with a brilliant free-kick from just outside the penalty area, precisely placing it into the top right corner in the 81st minute.

Spalletti shared his thoughts on the match, saying, "We conceded little, but we could have done more harm." He acknowledged that Italy encountered difficulties when the game became chaotic, as they struggled to recreate their defensive solidity, resulting in frequent repossessions by North Macedonia's midfielders.

Italy currently occupies the third position in the group, level on four points with fourth-placed North Macedonia. However, it's worth noting that Italy has played only three games compared to their opponent's four. Furthermore, Italy has two games in hand against group leaders England, who have amassed 13 points. Earlier on Saturday, England salvaged a 1-1 draw against Ukraine, which currently holds the second position with seven points from four matches. Italy's next challenge will be hosting Ukraine at the San Siro on Tuesday.

During a chaotic first half, Italy dominated possession with an 85% share. Midfielder Barella believed he had opened the scoring in the third minute, but his effort was disallowed due to a clear offside.

The hosts also had their chances, with forward Bojan Miovski coming close to upsetting the visitors with a diving header in the 19th minute during Spalletti's debut. Italy's Sandro Tonali struck the post with a low shot shortly after, and Bryan Cristante's close-range attempt was thwarted by goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski.

Complaints about the pitch's condition arose among some Italy players, but this did not prevent them from taking the lead through Immobile's goal in the 47th minute.

In the second half, North Macedonia spent more time in the visitors' half, and Eljif Elmas had an opportunity to level the score from distance, narrowly missing the far post.

Ultimately, Bardhi's late equalizer provided a boost to North Macedonia, as they now prepare to face the bottom-placed Malta on Tuesday.