“We cannot be satisfied just because we have qualified,” he says. “Our aim is to go through to the knockout stage and I strongly believe we have a group of players who can surprise the rest of Europe again.” The optimism partly stems from how they qualified. After dominating their Nations League group they beat Kosovo in Skopje and Georgia in Tbilisi to reach this summer’s tournament. Then they trumped all that by beating Germany 2-1 in Duisburg in a World Cup qualifier. No wonder hopes are high back home.
Tactically, Angelovski will stick to his 3-5-2 formation because the midfield is the strongest part of this team. From right to left, there is Dinamo Zagreb’s Ristovski, Lecce’s Nikolov, Levante’s Bardhi (although he has recently tested positive for Covid and is a doubt for the opening game), Dinamo Zagreb’s Ademi and Leeds’ Alioski. All have been key to the success of the team in recent years. Up front will be the irreplaceable “Italian duo” of Pandev and
AC Milan salvage Udinese draw with last-gasp penalty Milan (AFP) – Franck Kessie scored a 97th-minute penalty to rescue a 1-1 draw for AC Milan at home to Udinese on Wednesday, giving Serie A leaders Inter Milan the chance to pull six points clear at the top.
Rodrigo Becao’s second-half header at the San Siro completely deceived Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and Stefano Pioli’s faltering side looked destined for a third defeat in four games.
But a needless handball from Udinese substitute Jens Stryger Larsen offered Milan a lifeline, with Ivorian international Kessie converting the penalty with the final kick of the match.
Milan survive home scare, hold Udinese to 1-1 draw prokerala.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from prokerala.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Error-prone Lazio fall at home to Verona
Issued on: 3 min
Milan (AFP)
Lazio fell to a 2-1 home defeat to Hellas Verona on Saturday, just days after the high of qualifying for the Champions League last-16 for the first time in two decades.
Both Verona s goals came thanks to Lazio errors with Manuel Lazzari turning the ball into his own net just before the break in the Stadio Olimpico.
Felipe Caicedo pulled Lazio level after 56 minutes, with an impressive pivot having picked up the ball with his back to the goal.
However, a poor back-pass from Lazio defender Ștefan Radu allowed Adrien Tameze to grab the winner on 67 minutes.