07 October 2017
It was a busy night for Juventus internationals on Friday around Europe as Andrea Barzagli, Federico Bernardeschi, Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini and Mario Mandzukic all played in 1-1 draws for Italy and Croatia against Macedonia and Finland respectively.
Playing across town at Torino's Stadio Olimpico, Italy conceded in the second half to finish with a 1-1 draw against Macedonia that leaves the Azzuri on the doorstep of earning a spot in the European World Cup Qualifying playoffs in November. It was the Bianconeri's own Giorgio Chiellini who earned the goal for Italy finishing a cross from Ciro Immobile.
Meanwhile in Croatia, Mandzukic had the simplest of finishes tapping home from just a yard out in the 57th minute of Croatia's 1-1 draw with Finland. Croatia heads to Ukraine on the final matchday with a win likely guaranteeing a playoff spot while his side could still take first in the group and earn an automatic spot in Russia.
Tonight in action for the Bianconeri is Blaise Matuidi and France vs Bulgaria, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Switzerland vs Hungary and Medhi Benatia's Morrocco against Gabon.
