Ciro Immobile had a good start to life under Luciano Spalletti, even if Italy as a whole disappointed in their draw with North Macedonia.
Hopes were high for the Azzurri in their new era under the former Napoli boss, but it’s clear that it’ll take some time for the players to start understanding the Tuscan coach’s fast-moving system.
Immobile was named Italy captain for their Euro 2024 qualifiers against North Macedonia and Ukraine, and he did not disappoint despite the responsibility, scoring the Azzurri’s only goal of the match in the 47th minute.
A good shot by Nicolo Barella ricocheted off the crossbar and bounced right into the path of a waiting Immobile, who comfortably headed it into the back of the net to put Italy 1-0 up.
The Azzurri were clearly in the driving seat for the remainder of the match but failed to translate that to goals, allowing the hosts to eventually find their equaliser.
In the 81st minute, a strong free kick from Enis Bardhi sailed past a splaying Gianluigi Donnarumma, drawing North Macedonia level.
It was a disappointing draw for the Azzurri, who are now in a tense spot in their Euro 2024 qualifying group, sitting three points behind second place Ukraine.
