Croatia and Italy meet in Group B’s final match with everything on the line; a loss would end their tournament, while victory could secure second place and give them an opportunity to face one of their group runner-ups from another group in a last-16 tie.
Barella sends over a cross to the back post, where Bastoni dives head first towards goal but Livakovic pulls off an extraordinary save to stop his goalbound effort.
In this article, we will discuss the high lights or main points of Croatia National Football Team Vs Italy National Football Team Lineups.
Croatia National Football Team
| No. | Player | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dominik Livaković | Goalkeeper |
| 2 | Josip Stanišić | Right-back |
| 6 | Josip Šutalo | Center-back |
| 4 | Joško Gvardiol | Center-back |
| 3 | Marin Pongračić | Left-back |
| 10 | Luka Modrić (C) | Midfielder |
| 25 | Luka Sučić | Midfielder |
| 11 | Marcelo Brozović | Midfielder |
| 15 | Mario Pašalić | Midfielder |
| 8 | Mateo Kovačić | Midfielder |
| 9 | Andrej Kramarić | Forward |
Italy National Football Team
| No. | Player | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gianluigi Donnarumma (C) | Goalkeeper |
| 2 | Giovanni Di Lorenzo | Right-back |
| 23 | Alessandro Bastoni | Center-back |
| 5 | Riccardo Calafiori | Center-back |
| 13 | Matteo Darmian | Left-back |
| 18 | Nicolò Barella | Midfielder |
| 8 | Jorginho | Midfielder |
| 11 | Giacomo Raspadori | Right-wing |
| 10 | Lorenzo Pellegrini | Attacking midfielder |
| 3 | Federico Dimarco | Left-wing |
| 19 | Mateo Retegui | Forward |
Please note that player positions and roles are based on the starting lineup for this specific match. Substitutions and tactical changes may have occurred during the game.
Croatia XI National Football Team
There was some fear among experts that Croatia was past their prime entering the 2022 World Cup, but they proved everyone wrong with an impressive showing at Euro 2020 qualifying matches. These veteran players still possess plenty of fuel left in the tank and may break their Euros curse once and for all!
Luka Modric leads this group, serving as both master in possession and on-field mentor for his teammates. A prolific creator from all positions, Modric can create with either foot and is supported by Ivica Ivusic and Nediljko Labrovic – but they won’t displace him from starting spot.
Zvonimir Boban was a legendary figure both on and off the pitch for this team, most notably for his “kick that heard around the Balkans”, which unofficially began the war in 1990, as well as his legendary leadership skills on the pitch – always giving 100% in every match, always providing 100% support across midfield, giving 100% and always being there in support if his teammates needed him.
Brozovic, Modric and Kovacic’s midfield trio is a key strength of this side. All three players possess tremendous talent that have excelled at top clubs throughout Europe; these dynamic trios possess incredible passing and ball retention abilities which allow them to control games with their brilliant control of games through superb passing abilities and ball retention skills.
Croatia are in what some would consider an almost hopeless group with Spain and Italy. After being overwhelmed by Spain in their opening match, and trailing Albania at half time before recovering their edge at half time against Albania; Croatia have enough firepower to advance out of this group and reach the latter stages but must perform at their best against defending champions Spain if they are to have any hope of moving past this initial group stage stage. It promises to be an intense match!
Croatia starting XI National Football Team
Croatia and Italy meet on the final matchday of Group B to decide who advances to the last 16. Each side has three points but Italy need only a draw to advance; but Croatia require victory to progress; Zlatko Dalic’s side were dismal against Spain before Klaus Gjasula came through to save them against Albania late on.
Luka Modric recently announced his intent to retire from international football and this tournament could mark his last outing as an active player. As one of Croatia’s key figures, his presence will certainly be missed should they fail to advance.
First half play was scoreless but both teams had opportunities to break through. Modric saw his penalty saved in 54th minute but made amends shortly thereafter by scoring with his head following an aerial collision in the box.
Beginning the second half, the hosts exerted pressure on their opponents but failed to score any goals. Meanwhile, Croatia were looking dangerous on the counter-attack and creating several chances but could not capitalize on any.
Italy coach Luciano Spalletti made two changes for this final match, replacing Matteo Darmian and Jorginho with Mattia Zaccagni and Nicolo Fagioli respectively. Additionally, Davide Frattesi and Lorenzo Pellegrini could be replaced by Andrea Cambiaso and Bryan Cristante; Barella Dimarco Chiesa should all remain playing until full time has elapsed, giving an Italian squad fresh enough to cause havoc against Croatia’s defense.
Croatia substitutes
Both teams square off in an important clash that could decide their group and progression into the knockout rounds, while Italy look to win their group and secure a spot in the knockout rounds, while Croatia need a victory to stay competitive with leaders Spain. Real Madrid star Luka Modric will likely play an influential role for his nation and be eager to shine with them.
This 38-year-old maestro in the middle is a joy to watch, creating scores with ease against his fellow Germans here in Gelsenkirchen. His presence alone is enough to win over fans’ admiration, not forgetting his contribution as one of their defending champions.
Modric’s dominance may not be helping, however; Croatia are struggling to create any dangerous chances and have only managed one shot-on-goal this half. They’re not getting ahead of their opponents enough and lack that final pass in front of goal that they so desperately need.
However, as a result of these mistakes they will miss an opportunity to top their group and be dissatisfied with their display so far.
Home side Juventus benefit immensely from having Mario Pasalic available as an attacking catalyst. While only eight touches have been registered so far, he’s capable of turning games on their head late on.
Lamal was driving forward when he was brought down, prompting the referee to give a free-kick. Modric stood over it in an unsafe area but managed to clear it by doing a dummy and acting silly, clearing away from danger.
Italy XI National Football Team
The Azzurri have earned 10 points from four Nations League matches and are in prime position to secure top spot. On Sunday at San Siro they’ll look to defeat France by two clear goals to end any hopes they have of progressing further into the quarter-finals. Luciano Spalletti makes changes from last week’s 4-1 win against Israel by starting Nicolo Rovella in midfield while Alessandro Buongiorno replaces injured Riccardo Calafiori at centre-back while Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi has become their go-to striker.
Spalletti’s squad boasts an excellent balance between youth and experience, featuring many members from Italy’s World Cup-winning squad like Marcello Lippi and Fabio Grosso as well as young talent like Roma’s Niccolo Pisilli and Monza’s Daniel Maldini from Roma and Moise Kean and Giacomo Raspadori from Napoli representing some of Italy’s greatest young talent respectively.
Lazio’s Nicolo Barella could provide cover at central midfield alongside Juventus’ Matteo Gabbia, with Alessandro Bastoni and Federico Chiesa of Liverpool competing for left back positions. Fiorentina’s Mattia Zaccagni may take on a double pivot role alongside Empoli’s Elseid Hysaj and Atalanta’s Berat Djimsiti for Atalanta and Empoli respectively.
Italy starting XI
Italy are looking forward to taking on Germany, who gave them their first major tournament win back in 1996, but it’s far from certain even with a draw in Dortmund.
Luciano Spalletti will likely field a squad similar to that which drew with France at Parc des Princes and defeated Israel in September’s Nations League matches. That means Juventus fullback Matteo Gabbia will join Roma centre-back Alessio Romagna and Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma as defensive units, with Nicolo Barella remaining Italy’s trequartista.
Lazio midfielder Nicolo Rovella and Inter’s Davide Frattesi will likely start alongside Barella in the middle of the park for Italy, with Napoli’s Giacomo Raspadori and Mateo Retegui likely featuring on either flank for Napoli. Forwards remain one of Italy’s biggest weaknesses, though Retegui was impressive during his recent return from injury with Atalanta.
Granit Xhaka of Arsenal will operate as the base of midfield, acting to shield hold-up plays while offering support to attack. Juventus’ Remo Freuler could make an impressionful contribution; his pace may give defenders of Croatian teams trouble.
Italy boasts several young talents, such as Monza striker Daniel Maldini and Fiorentina’s Moise Kean of Fiorentina; but their chances of qualifying for Euro 2024 knockout stages remain at risk against Croatia. On a pivotal final day of qualifying matches FS1 offers free seven-day trials so fans can watch live.
