In a dramatic finish that left Croatian hearts shattered, Mattia Zaccagni’s goal in the final minute of stoppage time ensured Italy’s progression to the last 16 of Euro 2024, drawing 1-1 with Croatia.
The thrilling conclusion sees Italy advance alongside group winners Spain, while Croatia’s future in the tournament hangs in the balance.
Luka Modric appeared to have secured victory for Croatia, firing a powerful shot into the roof of the net early in the second half after having a penalty saved. The 38-year-old’s swift recovery and subsequent goal electrified Croatian fans, who believed they were on the verge of advancing as Group B runners-up.
Alessandro Del Piero 🤝 Mattia Zaccagni
🇮🇹 ⚽️ 💙 pic.twitter.com/maSKbOEPZU
— Raffaele (@ItalianoCalcio) June 24, 2024
However, Italy’s persistence paid off in the dying moments. In the 98th minute, Zaccagni found space and curled a stunning shot into the net, dashing Croatian hopes and guaranteeing Italy’s spot in the knockout stages. The equalizer means Croatia, with just two points from the group stage, are unlikely to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
Italy will now face Switzerland in the last 16 on Saturday, June 29. As the final whistle blew, Croatian players were left in despair, collapsing to the ground, while their fans stood in stunned silence, grappling with the abrupt end to their team’s journey.
Despite a lackluster start to the tournament, Croatia entered the match against the defending champions as underdogs, having previously lost to Spain and drawn with Albania. They began the game strongly, putting Italy on the defensive, but struggled to convert their efforts into goals.
Italian journalist Francesco Repice gives Modric an amazing tribute in what is likely his last match for Croatia in his career 👏🇭🇷
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) June 24, 2024
Modric’s moment of brilliance seemed to shift the tide in Croatia’s favor. After missing a penalty due to a handball call, he quickly made amends by driving a shot past the Italian goalkeeper, igniting celebrations among Croatian supporters. From that point, Croatia managed the game effectively, but Italy’s relentless pressure ultimately paid off with Zaccagni’s late heroics.
For Italy, the road to the knockout stages has been anything but smooth. After an initial come-from-behind victory against Albania and a defeat to Spain, coach Luciano Spalletti made several changes for the crucial clash against Croatia. Despite these adjustments, Italy often found themselves outplayed.
The Italians endured a challenging start but found their rhythm after Modric’s goal. Although they maintained possession and created opportunities, a breakthrough seemed elusive until Zaccagni’s last-gasp effort.
Italy’s dramatic equalizer and subsequent qualification sparked joyous celebrations among their fans, who stayed long after the match to revel in the moment. With renewed hope, they now look forward to their encounter with Switzerland, hoping this late surge will ignite their campaign at Euro 2024. Meanwhile, questions loom over the future of Croatia’s aging stars, including Modric, as they face an uncertain path ahead.