Italy came from behind to escape in the last 15 minutes on Macedonia's field

Striker Ciro Immobile scored twice in the last 15 minutes, helping Italy win 3-2 in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers on October 9.

Goals: Nestorovski 57', Hasani 59' - Belotti 24', Immobile 75', 90'

Facing four-time world champions, Macedonia surprised everyone by scoring two goals in quick succession early in the second half. If it weren't for Ciro Immobile's timely brace, Italy could have suffered their first defeat in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

Macedonia’s 2-1 lead was an unexpected result. Before the match, based on the hosts’ record of consistently finishing bottom of their group in the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016 qualifiers, many bookmakers predicted that Italy would win big. Things played out almost exactly like that until the end of the first half, when the former champions opened the scoring with a volley from Andrea Belotti.

Immobile celebrates after equalizing 2-2. Photo: Reuters

After the break, in a resolute effort, Macedonia continued to surprise the audience.Nestorovsky andHasani exploited two mistakes in Italy's midfield in just three minutes to score to put the home side 2-1 ahead.

If the score from the 59th minute had remained until the end of the match, Italy could have lost their first World Cup and Euro qualifier in 10 years. But in the face of this danger, coach Giampiero Ventura and his players showed their mettle at the right time. Immobile made Italy's attacking dominance concrete in the final 15 minutes with a cool finish to equalize and a header to win 3-2.

After the narrow victory, Italy has seven points after three matches in Group G. Ventura's team is currently only behind Spain due to a lower goal difference.

According to VNE