Italy managed to force a 1-1 draw with Croatia in the final matchday duel of Group B Euro 2024. Luciano Spalletti’s team almost suffered a bitter defeat, but were lucky to score an equalizer at the end of the match.
Monday, June 24 2024, this match at Leipzig Stadium will be the deciding match to qualify for the round of 16. Italy must win to qualify, as does Croatia.
This time, Croatia finally presented its best game since the start of the tournament. Luka Modric scored the opening goal in the 55th minute. Victory was in sight, but then Mattia Zaccagni found the equalizer for Italy in the 90+8 minute.
This 1-1 draw benefited Italy who were certain to finish as runners-up in Group B with 4 points. Italy qualified for the round of 16, while Croatia had to wait for their fate in the top three standings.
The match started immediately at a high tempo. Croatia and Italy tried to catch quick goals. The first 15 minutes passed quickly. The ball spins more in midfield.
Croatia had a chance through Sucic’s long-range shot, but Donnarumma was still able to stop the ball. After that, it was Italy’s turn to attack.
30 minutes into the game. Even though he didn’t carry the ball much, Spalletti was more effective in entering the final third of Croatia’s defense. The match is still going on tight.
Until the end of the first 45 minutes, Italy’s best chance came through Bastoni’s header at the far post, but Livakovic was able to secure the ball through an impressive save. Score 0-0.
Entering the second half, Croatia immediately attacked Italy. The Italian defense had to work hard to stop the opponent’s attacks. Italy seems to be struggling.
In the 52nd minute, Croatia was awarded a penalty, a Frattesi handball. Initially the referee did not move, but VAR intervened. Modric then stepped forward as executioner and failed! Donnarumma predicted Modric’s shot. Score 0-0.
In the 55th minute, Modric immediately paid for his mistake. Budimir’s shot was blocked by Donnarumma, but the ball fell into the path of Modric who immediately shot hard into the opponent’s goal. Goal! Croatia 1-0 Italy.
The match was locked until entering the final 10 minutes of the match. In the 90+8th minute, Italy finally scored the long-awaited equalizer. Calafiori’s pass was completed by Zaccagni’s first time kick from inside the penalty box. Goal! Croatia 1-1 Italy.
