It’s worst-case scenario for Croatia at EURO 2024: last place in Group B heading into their final game, needing to beat Italy on Monday to reach the knockout rounds.
[ MORE: EURO 2024 schedule | EURO 2024 squads ]
165 minutes into their tournament, Croatia had been beaten 3-0 by Spain and trailed Albania 1-0 with only 15 minutes left to play in game no. 2. They hadn’t turned up in Germany and they deserved to go home. Then came two goals in two minutes. Then came Albania’s equalizer in the 95th minute. Right back to square one, where they find themselves needing three points against the reigning, defending European champions in Leipzig.
How to watch Croatia vs Italy, stream link and start time
Kick off: Monday (June 24), 3 pm ET
Stadium: Red Bull Arena, Leipzig
How to watch on TV in USA: Fox Sports
Croatia team news, focus
To their credit, Croatia took the game to Albania in the second half (2.42 xG) after waking up from their nightmare showing at halftime (0.26 xG). No player who has appeared at EURO 2024 has any doubt over availability on Monday.
Italy team news, focus
It’s not as though Italy have been world beaters themselves at EURO 2024. They beat Albania 2-1 in their opener, but weren’t exactly convincing, and they were comfortably second-best in a narrow 1-0 defeat to Spain. Croatia are certainly there for the taking, and a dominant display would go a long way towards restoring confidence and belief in the Azzurri camp. Winger Federico Dimarco, who has played 173 of 180 minutes thus far, is an injury doubt after picking up a calf injury against Spain.
Croatia vs Italy prediction
Unless a bit of energy and life is injected into the center of midfield, Croatia will find precious scoring chances against this Italian defense. Croatia 0-1 Italy.
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