Italy FC are aiming for a spot in the knockout stage, as they seek for the maximum points against Croatia FC, who also seeks for a win. Heading into this match, Italy and Croatia are from different results, which may do wonders here. Italy are fortunate to be able to win their second game in the contest, giving them three points. Moreover, Italy‘s campaign in Euro 2024 did not start well, and a win in this match is needed for them to advance. On the other hand, Croatia remains to be winless in the contest, but currently, they have one point. Croatia had a draw during their opener, but lost to their second match in the campaign, making this match a crucial one. The meeting between these two teams is on June 25, 2024, at 3:00 AM (GMT+8).
Italy FC
Italy is set to face Croatia for the third time at a major tournament. They have lost 2-1 at the 2002 World Cup and played out a stalemate at Euro 2012. The Azzurri, who could have booked their place in the last 16, are in danger of a disappointing exit due to their 1-0 defeat to Spain last time out. La Roja were the better team in almost every metric, causing concern. With a 10-game undefeated streak at UEFA’s main event, Italy’s dreams of becoming the second country to win successive Euros depend on quickly turning things around. A minimum requirement is avoiding defeat to Croatia, as losing and Albania shocking already-qualified Spain would halt Italy’s title defence.
Italy faces Spain on Monday, with Matteo Darmian, Bryan Cristante, Mateo Retegui, and Nicolo Fagioli in contention. Moreover, they are expected to shake up after sub-par performances against Spain. Gianluigi Donnarumma, the winner of Euro 2020, will captain the Azzurri, becoming the youngest goalkeeper to reach that milestone.
Croatia FC
Croatia can progress to the knockout rounds of another European Championship despite a setback against Albania. They will go through to the last 16 if they defeat Italy and Albania doesn’t upset Spain. If both teams lose, they would be split by goal difference. Croatia’s head-to-head record is level after events at Hamburg’s Volksparkstadion. They have had more shots and attempts on target at Euro 2024 than they managed across three group games three years ago. Head coach Zlatko Dalic faces tough decisions as they face the prospect of failing to win at a major final for the first time since 2006.
Croatia’s Zlatko Dalic may consider several changes to his starting XI after all 25 players trained. Petkovic could be replaced by Budimir, while Marcelo Brozovic may be dropped for fresh legs. Luka Modric is expected to start, having made his 34th major tournament appearance against Albania. Mateo Kovacic will play in the engine room, while Josko Gvardiol will continue in central defence.
Prediction:
Italy FC (1.5)
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