European Championship qualification
Italy wins despite betting scandal
Italy scored an important three points against Malta. photo
© Fabio Ferrari/LaPresse via ZUMA Press/dpa
Italy is taking an important step towards the European Championship in Germany – although a betting affair is causing unrest. Denmark also wins confidently. Hungary wins the top game in Group G.
Despite an affair involving illegal football betting, defending champions Italy has taken another step towards the 2024 European Championship. The clearly favored Italians beat Malta 4-0 (2-0) in the European Championship qualification.
Giacomo Bonaventura (23rd minute), Domenico Berardi (45th + 1/64th) and Davide Frattesi (90th + 4th) scored the goals for the hosts, who defended second place in Group C. Ahead of the game, the two midfielders Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Zaniolo were sent home because they were being investigated on suspicion of taking part in illegal betting.
Successes for Denmark and Hungary
Denmark also achieved an important victory on the way to next summer’s tournament in Germany. The Danes defeated Kazakhstan 3:1 (2:0). The Bundesliga professionals Jonas Wind (36th) and Robert Skov (45th + 2/48th) scored the goals. Jan Worogowski (58th) scored the next goal for the guests.
Hungary almost certainly has the European Championship ticket. In the top game against Serbia, the Hungarians won 2-1 (2-1) and thus extended their lead in the table. Barnabas Varga (20th) and Freiburg’s Roland Sallai (34th) scored the goals for the hosts. Strahinja Pavlovic (33rd) managed to equalize for the Serbs, who are second in Group G.