Croatia have been taken by surprise by an industrious Italy side. Luka Modric’s second-half goal had seemed set them on course for last-16 qualification, yet Mattia Zaccagni’s stoppage-time equaliser has left them fighting for survival.
Italy will advance if they avoid defeat and Albania is unable to beat Spain; however, victory for Italy would guarantee top spot in Group B and eliminate Croatia. In this article, we will discuss the high lights of Croatia National Football Team vs Italy National Football Team Standings.
Croatia vs Italy Head-to-Head Record
Croatia and Italy are two of the premier football teams in Europe, having each won multiple UEFA European Championship titles over their respective histories. Furthermore, they have faced off multiple times throughout these tournaments and this match will mark another important encounter for both sides.
Both teams were searching for an advantage during the first half, but Croatia took control after scoring through Mattia Zaccagni after exerting pressure on Italian defence for extended period of time.
After their shocking opening loss against Spain, Italy needs a win to stay in contention in Group B. Although a draw could still work in their favour if Croatia defeats Spain while Albania beats Spain, even that may not be enough as their defeat caused widespread national soul searching and made national headlines in Italy’s gazzetta dello Sport newspaper. Manager Luciano Spalletti responded accordingly by setting his team in formations which highlighted their tactical prowess.
He implemented a back three that featured Jorginho and Pellegrini as midfielders, and Barella, Di Lorenzo and Raspadori for defensive cover in the back four. Federico Chiesa and Mario Mandzukic received some initial starts in attack before their initial efforts into the box were cut off before being forced backward by their respective defenders.
Italy began the second half by looking to create opportunities in their final third. They eventually got into the box but their cross was cleared away quickly before Nicolo Fagioli lost it on the edge of the area and received a yellow card as punishment for losing control.
Croatia vs Italy Defeats
Italy looked much sharper and more aggressive when in possession, without forcing many clear-cut chances like Croatia did, yet one chance in particular stood out, only to be stopped by Gianluigi Donnarumma’s stunning save.
At first glance, Italy seemed as though they would have to settle for no better than a draw at best. But shortly thereafter, Mateo Retegui was booked for barging into Ricardo Calafiori, giving Italy a penalty kick which they took advantage of and successfully converted for Donnarumma to win by 3-1.
Modric was filled with relief as well as joy as he unleashed a magnificent strike that, within a blink, breathed life back into a game that appeared headed for an uninspiring stalemate.
Croatia was stunned after conceding a penalty and it seemed to take its toll. Luckily, after taking some time out to regroup and focus again, their hosts began making progress in getting back into the game.
Modric provided Budimir at the back post with an opportunity, who showed great skill by holding off two defenders and shooting past Livakovic.
As time approached its close, the game looked to be heading for an goalless draw – only for it to be decided in an exciting last-minute scramble!
Modric made one last attempt in the closing moments to create his own chance, only to be taken down and Josko Gvardiol winning a corner for Croatia with his free-kick. Unfortunately, though they tried hard, Modric and his teammates could not find an equaliser during stoppage time and Croatia secured qualification for the knockout stage despite an entertaining and tightly contested match.
Croatia vs Italy Goals Scored
Modric has delivered another outstanding goal at EURO finals history with his stunning, top-corner strike that puts Croatia ahead in Dusseldorf and leaves Italy scrambling to catch up in Group B.
Italy have had plenty of chances to score during this slow first half, yet have failed to convert. Both teams seem resigned to cancelling each other out instead.
Luka Sucic takes an incredible shot from outside the box which Gianluigi Donnarumma deftly saves. A brilliant opportunity for Croatia and one of few real chances we’ve seen so far this game.
As both teams look to break the deadlock in the second half, both attempts at breaking it are blocked by Ivan Perisic replacing Sucic and Luka Ivanusec coming on for Kovacic.
Croatian defence has shown it can hold firm during a nervy opening to the second period, but Chiesa attempted two passes into the box which were cut out by Juranovic.
Donnarumma saves another Sucic attempt from outside of the box before overhitting and sending it wide.
Josip Brozovic wins a free-kick in an unsafe area, but does not take it. Calafiori receives a booking for his late sliding challenge on Bastoni.
Modric’s absence has significantly hindered Italy’s attack, who are finding it hard to create clear-cut opportunities. Nicolo Barella’s cross is just too far for Alessandro Bastoni to reach and eventually winds back at Croats’ defence.
Italy earn a corner, which is then cleared. Alessio Romagnoli fails to capitalize on his good position, however, with his header from a deep cross easily saved by Livakovic. As time winds down both teams work to preserve their respective lead; Italy attempt to find an equaliser late but their efforts go for nothing as they go back into their dressing rooms without success.
Croatia vs Italy Match Statistics
At this juncture of the game, both sides are looking for an answer to ignite them both. Italy have been more comfortable in possession but cannot translate that to being effective on counter attacks. Croatia meanwhile have plenty of options but have not managed to unleash them yet.
Both teams head into halftime tied at 0-0. Both have taken a cautious and at times defensive approach in an effort to reach halfway without conceding goals.
After the halftime break, Italy started pressing forward more aggressively but failed to pose any real threats against Croatia’s goal. Alessandro Bastoni went head-on with Livakovic but was denied by him brilliantly.
Croatia then managed to get their first shot on target through Luka Modric’s delicate strike but his attempt was blocked by Donnarumma’s save. They broke quickly away with Stanisic and Budimir both threatening in the area before Donnarumma made an impressive save that ultimately foiled Croatia.
Italy make two changes with Mattia Zaccagni and Nicolo Fagioli replacing Jorginho and Matteo Darmian, who is soon shown a yellow card for an unlawful late challenge against Majer. Meanwhile, Italy search for an attacking solution.
Modric then misses an attempt at scoring for Croatia after appearing to be hit with his right foot by Davide Frattesi without intent, however the referee awards a penalty kick anyway.
Croatian defender Matej Boovi takes possession of the ball and sends his shot over the bar from just outside of the box, trying to send it back into his team’s area but failing due to them searching for an equaliser.
At the final whistle in Leipzig, it’s all square as both teams vie for a spot in the last 16. Croatia may still make progress but may need to wait until their next matchup against Switzerland in order to join other big guns such as Denmark, France and Spain in knockout stage play if they hope to join. Their Opta supercomputer does not give much hope of this happening and would require a win against Switzerland for them to reach two spots in Group B.
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