The Italian press has praised Newcastle United and Liverpool transfer target Federico Chiesa after leading Italy to a 5-2 win over North Macedonia in a Euro 2024 qualifier.
Italy played host to North Macedonia this Friday night as the Azzurri strive to pip Ukraine for automatic qualification. The two countries are locked on 13 points with just one game left in Group C. They also meet on Monday with Italy in front after beating Ukraine this September.
North Macedonia threatened to jeopardise Italy’s advantage over Ukraine, having also been the nation to eliminate them from qualification for the 2022 World Cup. But the brilliance of Chiesa inspired Luciano Spalletti’s side to victory after Jorginho missed his first-half penalty.
Juventus star Chiesa led Italy to a 5-2 win over North Macedonia
Matteo Darmian (17’) broke the deadlock before Stole Dimitrievski saved Jorginho’s penalty. Chiesa (41’, 45+3’) then stepped up and scored a brace before North Macedonia threatened a comeback. Giacomo Raspadori (81’) and Stephen El Shaarawy (90+3’) replied to win 5-2.
Chiesa bagged his first of the night with a ferocious drive into the bottom corner from a cute backheel by Nicolo Barella. The 26-year-old Juventus forward then hit home again when his attempted finish looped in via a deflection. He had cut inside beautifully before taking aim.
Jovan Manev had to make a crucial block to deny Chiesa scoring more. Dimitrievski also had to get down low to save Raspadori’s attempt after the winger nutmegged a defender before playing the striker in. But Chiesa’s night would end early following Bojan Dimoski’s late foul.
Chiesa left to a standing ovation in the 62nd minute after initially receiving treatment for a likely knee injury. It brought the curtain down on an influential display that delighted many in the Italian press, who hailed the Newcastle and Liverpool transfer target after Italy’s win.
“More than our sinner, he is our driver,” TuttoMercatoWEB said. “With his brace, the leader of this national team immediately chased away the bad thoughts and hesitations after Jorginho’s missed penalty.
“After a handful of seconds, he suffers a bad blow and is almost forced to make a substitution. But, instead, he stays on the pitch and makes a difference like no one else.”
Newcastle look to rival Liverpool’s interest in Chiesa’s transfer
Chiesa’s inspirational performance for Italy against North Macedonia came amid interest at Newcastle and Liverpool in the Juventus star’s transfer. Reports by TuttoJuve claim that the Toon are preparing to make an offer in January. It is likely to be worth over €60m (£52.5m).
Newcastle are ready to pay so much to fend off attentive glares from Arsenal and Chelsea in the 43-cap talent. The London rivals’ interest is not as advanced as the Magpies’. Newcastle are ready to move in January with Juventus possibly open to offers due to Chiesa’s contract.
Juventus will look to sell Chiesa during 2024 as his current contract will expire in June 2025. Talks are ongoing between the 26-year-old, who Football Transfers cites as a transfer target for Liverpool, and Juventus. The Bianconeri are looking to tie Chiesa down with fresh terms.
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