Mattia Zaccagni’s very good last-gasp strike fired Italy into the Euro 2024 knock-outs with a 1-1 draw towards Croatia in a fraught Group B conflict on Monday.
Italy progress in second place behind winners Spain and can face Switzerland within the final 16, whereas Croatia are on the verge of elimination however may nonetheless progress relying on different outcomes going their means later within the week.
With solely two factors it’s unlikely Zlatko Dalic’s aspect will qualify as one of many 4 finest third-place groups however it’s nonetheless potential.
Croatia midfielder Luka Modric grew to become the oldest goalscorer within the competitors’s historical past along with his strike after 55 minutes, simply 33 seconds after Gianluigi Donnarumma saved the 38-year-old’s penalty.
It gave the impression to be sufficient for Croatia, however Zaccagni whipped an excellent strike into the highest nook on the break within the 98th minute to ship Italy via from what was dubbed a “group of death”.
“It’s very stressful, we kept battling right until the end but unfortunately football was mercilessly with us tonight, it was cruel,” Modric advised reporters.
“That’s part and parcel of football, often it gives you plenty of smiles but on other occasions it makes you very sad, like it did today.
“The footballing gods don’t always smile on us but we should be proud for the way we’ve represented our country tonight.”
Italy coach Luciano Spalletti mentioned his group deserved to progress.
“This is football, we believe until the end,” mentioned Spalletti.
“We deservedly got through… maybe we are satisfied with the result, but we need to do more.”
After transport 5 targets within the first two video games, Dalic opted to shore up the midfield by bringing in Mario Pasalic and Luka Sucic amid 4 modifications.
The coach additionally maintained the trio of Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic regardless of their struggles within the 3-0 defeat by Spain and 2-2 draw towards minnows Albania.
Spalletti’s Italy beat Albania 2-1 however have been dominated by Spain in a 1-0 defeat and the coach shifted to a 3-5-2 formation, dropping Juventus’ Federico Chiesa.
Croatia dominated the opening exchanges towards a defensive Italy aspect figuring out a draw would ship them via in second place behind group winners Spain.
On his first begin on the event 21-year-old RB Salzburg midfielder Sucic compelled a wonderful early save from Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma with a vicious drive from vary.
Azzurri ahead Mateo Retegui’s header was deflected narrowly vast on the different finish on a uncommon forray ahead, with the two-time winners joyful to gradual the sport down and waste time at corners and throw-ins as early because the twentieth minute.
Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic made a shocking cease to thwart Alessandro Bastoni, discovered by Nicolo Barella’s tempting cross, because the holders gained management with out taking dangers.
Focal level
Dalic, who steered Croatia to the 2018 and 2022 World Cup last and semis respectively, threw on highly effective striker Ante Budimir for the second half.
It gave his group a focus and so they regarded immediately extra threatening and swiftly reaped their reward.
Italy substitute Davide Frattesi dealt with Andrej Kramaric’s effort and after a VAR evaluation Croatia got a penalty.
Donnarumma clawed out Real Madrid midfielder Modric’s effort however the veteran couldn’t be denied 33 seconds later.
The Italian goalkeeper made one other wonderful save within the aftermath from Budimir as Croatia stored the stress up and Modric smashed house the rebound from shut vary.
He beat the earlier file for oldest Euros goalscorer set in 2008 by Austrian Ivica Vastic by 32 days.
Modric was changed with 10 minutes to go and even some Italy supporters afforded the playmaker an ovation, whereas they nervously eyed the ever-advancing clock.
Croatia thought that they had progressed however Zaccagni broke their hearts within the eighth and last minute of stoppage time.
Italy have nonetheless by no means overwhelmed Croatia in 9 makes an attempt however the 29-year-old Lazio winger’s curling strike felt like a winner for the quarter of the stadium decked out in Azzurri blue.
Modric was named participant of the match however regarded shellshocked on the finish, with some suggesting this may very well be his last look for his nation.
“I’d like to keep playing forever but there will come a time when I’ll have to hang up my boots,” mentioned Modric.
“I’ll keep playing on, I don’t know for how much longer.”
Stay up to date with the newest from Euro 2024. Explore Euro 2024 Match Today. Check Updated checklist of Highest Goal-Scorer in Euro 2024. CheckEuro 2024 Points Table and Euro 2024 Match Results and Euro 2024 Match Schedule .
(This story has not been edited by News18 workers and is printed from a syndicated news company feed – AFP)
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