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:
Euro 2024: Croatia 0-0 Italy
45 mins
Italy attack again but Di Lorenzo hits a pass to Darmian straight out of play. Croatia try and counter but then Brozovic hits a pass straight out of play.
There’ll be just one minute of added time at the end of the half, thankfully.
Euro 2024: Croatia 0-0 Italy
42 mins
No more chances of note since that Bastoni header. Spain are still leading, so Croatia need a win, but you’d never guess it from the way they’re playing, as Kramaric is the latest to lose possession in attack.
Euro 2024: Croatia 0-0 Italy
40 mins
Brozovic gives it away needlessly in attack but Italy then give it away when trying to counter. Not one for the neutrals so far, this.
Euro 2024: Croatia 0-0 Italy
38 mins
Modric swings in an inviting cross towards the back post, but it’s runs past any Croatian player.
Euro 2024: Croatia 0-0 Italy
36 mins
Italy win a couple of free-kicks and they keep possession well. They don’t particularly look like a side that’s in a rush to score though, despite having the better chances.
They work another opening, as the ball comes to Pellegrini on the edge of the box. He gets it out of his feet and finds an opening, before firing a shot straight at Livakovic.
Euro 2024: Croatia 0-0 Italy
32 mins
The game is lacking a bit of quality at the moment, with some needless giveaways of possession and a real lack of attacking threat so far.
Modric slips it wide to Sucic, but his cross in is hopeful rather than calculated, and it’s straight to a blue shirt.
Euro 2024: Croatia 0-0 Italy
30 mins
Brilliant work from Gvardiol, Kovacic and Brozovic to keep possession in the Italy half. Textbook passing triangles from the Croatians.
Croatia work it to the opposite wing and Modric fizzes it across the goal, but Donnarumma gets a hand to it.
Euro 2024: Croatia 0-0 Italy
27 mins
Good defending from Pongracic as he follows Retegui’s run into the box and blocks his shot.
Moments later, Barella swings in an inch-perfect cross to Bastoni’s who’s unmarked at the far post. He heads it on target and everyone thinks it’s a goal, but Livakovic somehow tips it over!
Euro 2024: Albania 0-1 Spain
Meanwhile, Spain have gone 1-0 up against Albania, courtesy of a goal from Ferran Torres.
Spain have already won the group, so for them there is little change. However, that result benefits both Croatia and Italy; it means neither will be leapfrogged, though Croatia still need a win if they’re to have a hope of the last 16.
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