Destiny makes instant impact on Italy debut
Sat 14 October 2023, 23:02|
Tottenham Hotspur
Destiny Udogie came off the bench to earn his first senior international cap for Italy during their 4-0 home win over Malta in Euro 2024 qualifying and played a key role in their fourth goal on Saturday night.
The 20-year-old, previously a regular for Italy Under-21s, was called into the senior squad for the first time this month and wasted little time in making his debut, replacing Federico Demarco at left-back in the 79th minute of the match in Bari.
His side were three goals to the good at that stage, and he played a key part in their fourth. Winning the ball in the final third in stoppagetime, Destiny used good feet to shrug off the attentions of two defenders before rolling the ball through the legs of another to find Davide Frattesi. The substitute then finished with aplomb to seal the victory and move Italy to within three points of leaders England in Group C.
Guglielmo Vicario was an unused substitute for the hosts.
Italy face England at Wembley on Tuesday night.
Destiny became the second Spurs player in 24 hours to make his senior international bow after Micky van de Ven did likewise for the Netherlands on Friday night.
