30 March 2022
On the night of the play-off finals for the 2022 World Cup, there was joy for Wojciech Szczesny, who collected a clean sheet in Poland's 2-0 win over Sweden that booked one of the last available places from Europe for Qatar 2022.
Meanwhile, in European friendly matches, Alvaro Morata spearheaded the Spanish frontline as they defeated Iceland 5-0. The forward scored on 36’ and 39’ to overtake Sergio Ramos and Alfredo Di Stefano and climb to 8th place on 25 goals in Spain’s all-time scoring standings.
After elimination to North Macedonia, Italy started their rebuilding programme mixing youth and experience against Turkey. Giorgio Chiellini led the team for his 116th cap - joining Andrea Pirlo in fifth place in the all-time appearance chart for the Azzurri - and was joined in the backline by Mattia De Sciglio, who earned his first international cap in three years.
Manuel Locatelli and Leonardo Bonucci appeared as second-half substitutes in Italy's 3-2 victory.
Adrien Rabiot played 80 minutes in France's 5-0 win over South Africa in a friendly in Lille.
Positive news for Italy U-19. The Azzurini qualified for the finals of the European Championships. At the centre of the key victory over Belgium was Fabio Miretti. The midfielder, who made his Serie A debut in the Bianconeri’s most recent win against Salernitana, continued to shine, scoring the opener and setting up the second as Italy won 2-0. The U-19 Euros will be held in Slovakia in the summer.
In South America, while Danilo was rested, Arthur came on as a substitute in Brazil’s 4-0 win over Bolivia. The undefeated Seleção, who had already booked their place in the World Cup, took their points tally to 45 from 14 wins and three draws.
