The defending champions Italy are set to face off against Croatia in a crucial match at Leipzig on Monday, with both teams aiming to secure a spot in the knockout stage of Euro 2024 and avoid an early exit from the tournament.
Italy currently sits in a good position in Group B with three points, making them the favorites to advance to the last 16. Spain has already secured the top spot in the group, leaving Italy to battle Croatia for the runner-up position.
For Italy to advance, they need to at least secure a draw against Croatia. However, a loss to Croatia combined with a surprise victory for Albania over Spain could see Italy exiting the tournament early.
Croatia, on the other hand, needs a victory over Italy to secure the second spot in the group. If they manage to beat Italy and Albania fails to defeat Spain, Croatia will advance to the knockout stage.
A draw would leave Croatia depending on other results to qualify as one of the four best third-placed teams.
Italy’s boss, Luciano Spalletti, is optimistic about his team’s chances despite their recent 1-0 loss to Spain. He believes that the experience gained from that defeat will benefit his side in the upcoming match against Croatia.
“I expect to see that we have learnt a great deal from the Spain game, even though we played badly and even though it was a very painful defeat in terms of how it panned out,” Spalletti said. “Ultimately, the glory of your tale comes down to matches like this.”
The Italy vs. Croatia match promises to be an intense and closely contested encounter, with both teams giving their all to secure a spot in the knockout stage of Euro 2024.