(ANSA) – ROME, MARCH 24 – For the third time the Italian national football team, which this evening will face North Macedonia in the semifinal of the qualifying playoffs for the World Cup in Qatar, will perform in Palermo on March 24. The previous two on this date are very lucky for the blue colors: the first dates back to 1993, even in that case a qualifying match for the World Cup was played (those of USA ’94). The Azzurri led by coach Arrigo Sacchi, in what was then the Favorita stadium in Palermo, overwhelmed the Malta national team 6-1 and the current coach Roberto Mancini was the protagonist of the match, scoring a brace. In other words, he scored half of the goals in the blue jersey in the 36 total appearances and seasoned with 4 goals. The other goals against Malta were scored by Beppe Signori, Pietro Wierchowod, Paolo Maldini and Dino Baggio. Carmel Busuttil, on the other hand, shortened for the islanders.
The other match dated 24 March in Palermo, the stadium already had the name of Renzo Barbera, was staged in 2017, against Albania led by Gianni De Biasi. Also in this case there was at stake the qualification for the World Cup, those of Russia, in which the Italy of Giampiero Ventura however did not take part, since it was eliminated by Sweden: it ended 2-0, with a penalty by Daniele De Rossi and the doubling of Ciro Immobile. It was the match of the suspension at 13 ‘st after the ignition of smoke bombs in the corners and the launch of firecrackers by the Albanian fans. Slovenian referee Vincic resumed play after 8 ‘. (HANDLE).
Source: Ansa
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