Croatia v Italy LIVE: Reaction as last-gasp Zaccagni goal sends Azzurri through to Euro 2024 knockouts
Croatia 1-1 Italy: An equaliser with the final kick of the game sent the Azzurri through and likely knocks Croatia out
A dramatic added-time goal from Italy’s Mattia Zaccagni snatched a 1-1 draw with Croatia which was enough to earn them a place in the last 16 of Euro 2024 and likely sends Croatia home.
After a goalless first half, Croatia’s Luka Modric had a penalty saved in the 54th minute but just 60 seconds later he smashed home a rebound after Gianluigi Donnarumma pulled off another fine save from Ante Budimir.
The goal brought defending champions Italy to life, and they pressed for the equaliser which would take them through and, with time running out, Zaccagni curled home a shot from distance to break Croatian hearts.
It meant Italy finish as Group B runners-up and will face Switzerland in the last 16, while Croatia are third on two points and must wait to see if they will progress as one of the best four third-placed finishers, although it is now unlikely.
Relive all the drama below:
Next games
So Spain and Italy advance from Group B for certain. Croatia face a nervous wait to see if they’ll be in the next round.
Italy will face Switzerland in Berlin on Saturday, 29 June at 5pm BST.
Spain do not yet know their opponents, but they know they will be playing on 30 June at 8pm BST in Cologne. They will play the third-placed team from one of Group A, D, E or F.
Group B standings
So, this is how Group B looks after the final round of games.
1 (Q) - Spain - 9 points, GD +5
2 (Q) - Italy - 4 points, GD +1
3 - Croatia - 2 points, GD -3
4 - Albania – 0 points, GD -2
FULL-TIME! Croatia 1-1 Italy
Unbelievable emotion at the end there. The difference between the Italian and Croatian players.
FULL-TIME! Croatia 1-1 Italy
FULL-TIME!
There’s no more time for a Croatia attack and the game ends 1-1!
Italy are through in second place, and Croatia will likely be out!
GOAL! Croatia 1-1 Italy
98 mins
GOAL! Unbelievable ending and Italy are level and heading through in second!
It’s a brilliant goal too. Calafiori collects the ball near halfway and the space opens up in front of him. he surges towards the box before laying it off to Zaccagni on the left. He hits it first time, curling an inch-perfect effort into the side-netting of the far corner!
Euro 2024: Croatia 1-0 Italy
97 mins
Croatia think they’re through on goal but Bastoni was fouled.
Euro 2024: Croatia 1-0 Italy
96 mins
Brilliant from Croatia as the space opens up and they sweep it wide to Stanisic. They work it back across to the left and Perisic tries clipping a cross to the back post, but it runs out of play.
Moments later they attack again, and it ends with Fagioli bringing down Gvardiol off the ball.
Euro 2024: Croatia 1-0 Italy
94 mins
Modric can barely contain his emotions on the sideline as Croatia attack. Mario Mandzukic is pictured on the bench urging his side on.
Cheers all around the stadium as Barella brings down Budimir. The free-kick is in a dangerous area, but you’d be surprised if Croatia swung it into the box.
Euro 2024: Croatia 1-0 Italy
92 mins
Italy’s attack has just lacked cohesion in the last 15 minutes or so. They win a corner, which ends up being cleared before Juranovic wins a free-kick from Calafiori, who is booked.
Euro 2024: Croatia 1-0 Italy
90 mins
Italy are pushing for the equaliser that would send them through in second. Chiesa tries two passes into the box, but they’re both cut out before Brozovic is booked for a late sliding challenge on Bastoni.
We’ll have EIGHT minutes of added time in Leipzig.
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