InterNationals, Skriniar's Slovakia qualify for the Euros

MILAN - Another day of international fixtures took place on Thursday, including the playoff finals to decide the remaining four teams that will compete in the European Championship in 2021.

JOY FOR SLOVAKIA AND SKRINIAR

An unlucky deflection made life more difficult for Slovakia in their quest to qualify for the Euros next summer. However, Milan Skriniar’s country ultimately prevailed in Belfast, beating Northern Ireland 2-1 after extra-time. The Nerazzurri defender, who played the full 120 minutes, was unfortunate to score an own goal following Kucka’s opener, meaning a further 30 minutes were required. In the 110th minute, a right-footed strike from Michal Ďuriš settled matters, much to the delight of Skriniar and his teammates. For the second time in their history, Slovakia will take part in the European Championship after previously doing so in 2016. They’ll be in Group E with Spain, Poland and Sweden next year.

KOLAROV REMAINS ON THE BENCH AS SERBIA SUFFER PENALTY SHOOTOUT DEFEAT

Aleksandar Kolarov remained on the bench as Serbia lost on penalties in their playoff final showdown against Scotland: at the Rajko Mitić Stadium in Belgrade, Aleksandar Mitrovic’s miss proved decisive. The match had finished 1-1 (Christie and Jovic the goalscorers) after normal time, and, with no change to the scoreline after extra time, the Scots then managed to hold their nerve.

PINAMONTI INVOLVED IN ITALY UNDER-21S' VICTORY IN ICELAND

Following the postponement of the original fixture on 9 October, Italy’s Under-21 side took on Iceland and emerged victorious, taking a big step towards European Championship qualification in the process. In Reykjavík, a Pobega brace secured a 2-1 win. Andrea Pinamonti took to the pitch in the 80th minute, when he replaced Scamacca with the score at 1-1.

PAREGGIO PER L'ARGENTINA DI LAUTARO

Nella notte italiana è scesa in campo l'Argentina di Lautaro Martinez che ha sfidato il Paraguay nel terzo turno delle qualificazioni ai Mondiali. Dopo i successi contro Ecuador (1-0) e Bolivia (2-1), la nazionale di Scaloni nel match disputato a Buenos Aires ha raccolto un pareggio per 1-1 (gol di Romero e Gonzalez). Il numero 10 nerazzurro è rimasto in campo per 83’.