Internationals | Destiny plays his part as Italy reach UEFA Nations League quarter-finals
Fri 15 November 2024, 10:45|
Tottenham Hotspur
Destiny Udogie helped Italy to a 1-0 win against Belgium to book a place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Nations League on Thursday evening.
The flying full-back came off the bench for Federico Dimarco on 69 minutes to earn his eighth cap as the Azzurri secured victory thanks to Sandro Tonali's goal on 11 minutes. Destiny's team-mate Guglielmo Vicario was an unused substitute with Gianluigi Donnarumma back in goal.
Victory moved Italy to the top of top of UNL League A, Group 2, three points ahead of France. They move into the quarter-finals to be played on 23-25 March, with the draw held next week.
In the same group, Manor Solomon - on loan at Leeds this season - captained Israel, who picked up their first point of the tournament with a goalless draw against France in Paris. Manor played 72 minutes, but Israel look likely to be relegated - they need to beat Belgium by three goals or more to avoid that outcome when they play on Sunday.
Dominic Solanke remained an unused substitute as England beat Greece 3-0 to move top of UNL League B, Group 2. The Three Lions will be promoted back to League A if they beat the Republic of Ireland at Wembley on Sunday.
Moving from Europe to Africa, Pape Matar Sarr made a late substitute appearance as Senegal beat Burkina Faso in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying. They have qualified for the tournament to be held in Morocco in December 2025/January 2026.
As we reported yesterday, Heung-Min Son notched up his 50th senior international goal for South Korea during their 3-1 victory over Kuwait in World Cup qualifying on Thursday afternoon.
In Under-21 action, goalkeeper Aaron Maguire was an unused substitute as Republic of Ireland U21s lost 2-0 against Sweden in the first of a double header between the sides in Marbella.
Friday's action
Yves Bissouma – Mali away Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Mozambique – kick-off 4pm
Radu Dragusin – Romania home UEFA Nations League match against Kosovo – kick-off 7.45pm
Pedro Porro and Bryan Gil – Spain away UEFA Nations League match against Denmark – kick-off 7.45pm
Archie Gray and Dane Scarlett – England Under-21s away friendly against Spain – kick-off 5.30pm
Will Lankshear and Ashley Phillips – England Under-20s Elite League home fixture against Germany – kick-off 7pm
Callum Olusesi – England Under-18s match against Poland in Spain – kick-off 11am
Malachi Hardy – England Under-17s away friendly against Belgium – kick-off 6pm
