Italy puts scandal-ridden week behind it to beat Malta 4-0 in Euro 2024 qualifying

Italy put a scandal-ridden week behind it to beat Malta 4-0 in their European Championship qualifier on Saturday.

Giacomo Bonaventura set Italy on its way with his first goal for the Azzurri and Domenico Berardi ended his goal drought in style with a goal in each half. Substitute Davide Frattesi netted in stoppage time to continue his scoring streak.

Italy moved to within three points of Group C leader England, which it plays on Tuesday at Wembley. Ukraine, which has played a match more, was level on points with Italy after beating North Macedonia 2-0.

Italy’s preparations for the match in Bari had been interrupted midweek when police questioned Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Zaniolo at the national team’s Coverciano training center in a betting investigation. The Premier League players later left the camp.