Italy looks for an equalizer as they attempt to strike. Modric attempts a cross into the box but it’s cut out.
Luciano Spalletti may want to test Mateo Retegui as he replaces Bryan Cristante for the second half. This change could play a pivotal role in influencing the outcome, especially considering the Croatia National Football Team vs Italy National Football Team Standings in the ongoing competition.
Croatia
Croatia are one of Europe’s most successful national football teams, having qualified for knockout stages at two Euro tournaments and reaching the World Cup final in 1998. Their players boast extensive international experience; Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Mario Mandzukic are known for breaking down opponents’ defenses.
However, their poor performances in the group stage put them on the verge of elimination from the tournament. After suffering an embarrassing 3-0 loss against Spain and struggling to create clear-cut chances against Albania, Croats found some strength at the back in late stages against Italy but couldn’t prevent Mattia Zaccagni from scoring an outstanding long-range shot and sending Azzurri through to semi finals.
Croatia started slowly but have quickly found their feet. Their wide players, particularly Rakitic and Modric are dangerous threats who are capable of making rapid runs behind defenders to create openings; supported by a solid midfield, including Kramaric’s ability to Cruyff-turn into spaces.
The Azzurri begin their first significant attack following some swift interplay from their left flank. Di Lorenzo hits a low ball across goal from Di Lorenzo but it cannot find Retegui in time at the back post.
Croatia are seeking to intensify their attacking sequences, with Modric and Rakitic engaging in an intelligent give-and-go. However, their long-range attempts have proven fruitless so far.
As the match nears its conclusion, Modric attempts to sneak through his defence and pass to Kramaric on the left flank; unfortunately for Manchester City’s player however, his attempt was blocked by Budimir.
Italy
Italy were in danger of becoming the first tournament holders since Euro 96 to exit at the group stage, but Mattia Zaccagni’s late goal saved their blushes in a dramatic 1-1 draw with Croatia on Monday. Luka Modric had put Croatia ahead after missing a penalty but Riccardo Calafiori fed Zaccagni in stoppage time; Zaccagni cut in from outside before curling an elegant finish past Dominik Livakovic for an unlikely draw and 1-1 draw!
After an uneventful first half, the second period saw more intensity from Croatia as they pressed higher up the pitch and created opportunities. Unfortunately for them however, these attempts were denied by a determined Italian defence that managed to block every one of them.
The Azzurri emerged stronger as the game progressed through its third and fourth stages, appearing poised for an incredible comeback come the final whistle. They pushed forward until being awarded a free-kick near the corner of the penalty area from Modric which failed to connect properly but resulted in Alessandro Bastoni rising highest but being unable to connect properly with his cross.
Italy were forced into a corner by an impressive counterattack, only for their chances of escape to be dashed when a referee whistled for fouling Modric. While that decision might have been harsh, Italy are unlikely to progress on just two points. And they must hope that either Switzerland or Albania lose in their final group match and that one of them becomes one of four third-place teams – victory will see them through as runners-up while defeat will force them out entirely from competition. At this point, England will also find themselves trailing Spain who currently sit at the top of their league with three wins from three matches played so far. Spain will face England, France and the Netherlands in their Round-of-16 match scheduled to be played in Berlin this Saturday. All three sides who do not compete will be sent into play-offs for seventh place, with winners going directly into knockout phase and losers entering qualifying competition for Tokyo Olympic 2024 Olympic qualifying competitions.
Group B
After suffering an underwhelming performance against Italy in their opening match, Croatia will look to make amends by playing familiar foe Italy again. Both teams will come out gunning, hoping for the crucial win which would send one into the knockout stage.
Croatia are a well-balanced team with great depth, and midfielders Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic play crucial roles. Both can dismantle opposing defenses with quick passes and dribbles while acting as runners in the final third to create opportunities for their forwards Mario Mandzukic and Ivan Perisic.
First Half The first half was relatively even, with neither side creating much. One stand-out moment came when Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic made an incredible save to deny Alessandro Bastoni from close range after Nicolo Barella sent in a cross to the back post from which Bastoni expected to score again, only for Dominik Livakovic to make an astonishing diving save instead.
Both sides struggled to convert possession into clear-cut opportunities in the second half. While Italy were able to create some counterattacking chances, most attempts by them to get forward were thwarted by a solid Croatian defence.
At the tail-end of the match, Croatia attempted to press forward quickly and break quickly; however, Italy managed to withstand their advances. An occasional Croatian counter ended when Brozovic sent in a cross into the box from which Budimir could not respond quickly enough.
On the other end, Modric had an opportunity to put his side ahead, but Darmian blocked his header. Later, another attempt by him was also blocked but this time around he couldn’t shoot the rebound shot.
Both teams currently sit level on three points in their group standings, so a draw will guarantee Italy second spot and allow them to qualify as one of four best third-place teams for the knockout stage. A defeat means Italy may need Spain beating Albania so as to remain in contention and top their group.
Round of 16
Luciano Spalletti and Italy have one last chance to turn things around after suffering their initial disappointment against Spain at Euro 2016 with defeat to Albania. Their chances were renewed after Spain defeated Albania and now all they need is one point from their final Group B match to guarantee one of four third-place finishes and advance.
Early on, that seemed unlikely as Croatia dominated possession without producing any clear goal-scoring opportunities. But Mattia Zaccagni came on for Italy and scored a stunning goal that gave them both points and secured them a place in Round 16 of this tournament.
Soon after, Alessandro Bastoni came close to scoring again when he met Nicolo Barella’s cross at the far post with a thunderous header that just missed its target. Mateo Retegui then had another excellent opportunity on his left before seeing his effort blocked by the goalkeeper.
Italy had great defensive success throughout this tournament; they excelled on defense. Unfortunately, however, their attacking game never really clicked and that all-important breakthrough never materialised – leading them to exit in the bottom half of the table and likely signalling Luka Modric’s final appearance at any major tournament on this occasion.
As the national anthems play out before kick-off in Leipzig, players exchange pennants as national anthems are played out. Tension fills the stadium as both teams know that only victory will give them any hope of avoiding last place in their group.
Zlatko Dalic’s side were humbled 3-0 by Switzerland in their opener and haven’t shown much since, while Italy have found scoring goals difficult. A 3-0 defeat against Spain caused widespread outrage from journalists; La Gazzetta dello Sport even called for a “reset”.
Italy and Croatia both made changes, with Italy recruiting Matteo Darmain and Mateo Retegui to replace Giacomo Raspadori and Davide Frattesi respectively, while Croatia manager Dalic recruited Josip Stanisic, Marin Pongracic, and Mario Pasalic as defensive reinforcements.
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