Former Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko says Ukraine v Italy will be much more than a game for the Ukrainian people. The Azzurri know that despite a turbulent few months, a draw or a win against Ukraine will be enough to see them qualify for EURO 2024. Speaking with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Shevchenko explained why the match, and qualification, means so much more to his countrymen, given the ongoing Russian invasion:
“For Ukraine it is a very important match, in fact much more than a match for us. We have nothing to lose this evening and for this reason we must not settle. Qualifying would mean giving joy to a people. Playing in Leverkusen? Playing away from home is very tough, but I expect the stadium to be full.
“In sport it happens, it happened as a player and now as a fan. In this situation the match is even more special because for us sporting successes are worth more. I fear the team as a whole and Luciano Spalletti has plenty of motivation. He is one of the best and I respect him a lot’.
