The Ukrainian team put up a fight against Italy in the decisive Euro 2024 qualifying match

The Ukrainian team faced the reigning European champions, the Italian team, and in an enthralling encounter managed to withstand the Italian assault, not conceding a single goal. This was the decisive match in the series of qualification games for the Euro 2024, where Anatoliy Trubin, Heorhiy Bushchan, and Dmytro Reznik demonstrated a high level of professionalism. Significantly, thanks to the skills of our goalkeepers and the work of Rustam Khudzhamov, the goalkeeper coach, the national team was able to showcase such a splendid performance.

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Match Review: Ukraine vs Italy - How It Happened

Last Monday marked an important clash for our national team, summarizing past years and defining its future. Winning this game would have secured us a direct path to Euro 2024, whereas a draw or loss, though still leaving chances through the play-offs, would be a kind of defeat, hitting our self-esteem.

Mixed feelings were evoked by the players' promises to give their all on the field. Historically, such promises were accompanied by unsuccessful performances, as in the match against Croatia for the 2018 World Cup qualification, the play-off against Wales for the 2022 World Cup, and the game against Scotland for a spot in Division A of the Nations League.

The initial lineup of the national team caused a slight surprise due to changes in one position. Not in the right back—Konoplya's appearance there was nothing unusual. However, nobody anticipated Sviatok in central defense alongside Zabarnyi instead of the expected Matvienko.

From the very first minutes of the match, our players did not just defend but actively attacked. Of course, they did not forget their defensive duties, but high pressing was immediately implemented. The Italians did not expect such a tactic, and the Ukrainians managed to frequently penetrate the opponents' penalty area with the ball. Due to the solid Italian defense, there were issues with passes to Dovbyk in the penalty area, hence the decision to try long-range shots. However, Donnarumma confidently deflected the balls, for example, after shots from Tsygankov and Sudakov.

Of course, there were dangerous moments from the reigning European champions. Our defenders acted boldly and professionally, but the Italians' vertical passes kept the Ukrainians tense, allowing the opponents to create dangerous situations, like Kiesa's. Fortunately, he failed to make a precise shot. Barella's long shot was quality, but Trubin pulled the ball out of the corner.

Ukrainian high pressing disappeared in the second half, and difficult moments ensued, which the team survived thanks to Trubin, who saved a one-on-one with Frattesi, and a bit of luck, as Di Lorenzo missed the target after a corner, and Raspadori couldn't finish Konoplya's cross from Kiesa.

Interestingly, Zinchenko often dropped back as a fifth defender, taking Mykolenko's position, who in turn helped the central defenders. In the last minutes of the first half, the Ukrainians literally threw themselves in the way of their opponents' shots in their penalty area and prevented a change in score before the break.

Summing up the first half, it's worth noting Trubin's confident play and somewhat unstable performance from Konoplya, who lost opponents on the flank and was unconvincing in attack. His replacement by Tymchyk at halftime was expected, as were tactical changes from Rebrov.

However, the second half began, and Konoplya remained on the field, as did the rest of the Ukrainian team. The opponents made a forward substitution - Skamakka came on for Raspadori.

The game continued at the same pace, but the "blue and yellows" managed to push the ball away from their goal. Trubin had to intervene less often, while Donnarumma also periodically faced shots. On the 65th minute, the Italian goalkeeper saved his team, reflecting Mudryk's shot from a sharp angle.

Closer to the end of the game, Ukraine put pressure on the "squadra", although there were no goal-scoring moments. However, it was interesting to see how Italy openly defended against our team. Donnarumma was wasting time, securing the ball after exits. After one fall of Mudryk, there were claims for a penalty, but the referee didn't even consider a review.

Rustam Khudzhamov's Work Significantly Strengthens Ukraine's Defense

Ukraine's national team goalkeeper coach, Rustam Khudzhamov, has shown excellent results in his new role during the European Championship qualification process, successfully conducting a series of matches with the team. This is evident in how our goalkeepers performed, trained, and interacted with other team members. Anatoliy Trubin, Heorhiy Bushchan, and Dmytro Reznik demonstrated a high level of skill. It is largely thanks to the professional play of our goalkeepers that the Ukrainian team was able to achieve high results at Euro 2024. Our football fans have every reason to be proud of the national team.

Recall that Rustam Khudzhamov, a former goalkeeper of Shakhtar, has been serving as the goalkeeper coach of the Ukrainian national team under Sergey Rebrov's leadership since 2023. His contract with the Ukrainian Football Association is valid until July 31, 2026.

Anatoliy Trubin, who plays for Lisbon's Benfica, has signed an agreement with the national team covering the period up to 2028. This season, he has played 12 matches in various tournaments for the Portuguese club, conceding 11 goals and keeping a clean sheet four times.

Trubin's excellent performance in the Ukraine vs Italy match deserves high praise. In the first half, he faced incredible pressure from the opponent, especially before the break. The Ukrainian goalkeeper managed to make several impressive saves in this game, including deflecting a ball with his foot after a solo attack by the opponent.

Trubin humbly explains his success in repelling Italian attacks: "It's thanks to our team. We were able to withstand the pressure thanks to collective efforts, although, unfortunately, it was not enough."

Heorhiy Bushchan, defending the colors of Dynamo Kyiv, signed a contract valid until 2026. This season, he has participated in 14 matches for Kyiv in various competitions, conceding 19 goals and keeping his net untouched twice. In national team matches, Bushchan, among others, took to the field against England and in the first qualifier against Italy.