Mattia Zaccagni put on a good display against Ukraine in his second Italy start under new coach Luciano Spalletti.
The 28-year-old Lazio winger was given a starting spot by the new coach in both of the Azzurri’s Euro 2024 qualifiers this international break, deploying him on the left side of the front three.
Zaccagni failed to make a significant impact in Italy’s frustrating 1-1 draw with North Macedonia but Spalletti’s decision to start him against Ukraine paid off, showing why the winger is such a key part of Maurizio Sarri’s squad in the Italian capital.
The Lazio forward took advantage of a slip in the 12th minute of the match, stealing possession before laying the ball off perfectly to Davide Frattesi, who netted Italy’s first of the night at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
The new Inter midfielder netted his second 17 minutes later to give the Azzurri a 2-0 lead, but they allowed Andriy Yarmolenko to claw one back just before half time. Spalletti’s side held on, however, and closed out a vital Euro 2024 qualifying win.
