Croatia vs Italy: Preview, Prediction, Lineups and Team News | Euro 2024
Preview
Croatia vs Italy will take place in the final round of fixtures in Group B at the Red Bull Arena as the former will look to end on a high, while the latter will look to secure their passage to the knockouts.
Croatia will enter this game on the back of a poor start to life at Euro 2024. Having won six games on the bounce prior to this tournament, they were expected to put up a tougher fight in Group B. However, a 3-0 humbling at the hands of Spain in their opening match, followed by a last-gasp 2-2 draw against Albania has left their hopes of progressing in tatters. They will need to win their next match at any cost to have hopes of advancing.
The Azzurri, on the other hand, made a decent start to this tournament, carrying forward their strong form prior to it. They secured a 2-1 win against Albania in the first game, followed by a narrow 1-0 defeat against Spain in their next one as Riccardo Calafiori’s own goal was enough for La Roja. Now, they, too, will need a win to ensure progression, but a draw will suffice as well.
Having said that, let’s take a look at the team news coming from both camps.
Croatia vs Italy Team News
Croatia
Manager Zlatko Dalic has maintained a strong lineup for both games, despite results not really going in their favour, but is likely to stick with the same combination.
Dominik Livakovic will be the designated number one ‘keeper, with Josko Gvardiol, Ivan Perisic and Josip Juranovic in defence ahead of him. Skipper Luka Modric will man the midfield alongside Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic. Lovro Majer and Andrej Kramaric will play up top.
Italy
Luciano Spalletti, too, has maintained a largely unchanged combination across two games for Italy and will do the same in the last one.
Gianluigi Donnarumma will be the goalkeeper, with Riccardo Calafiori and Alessandro Bastoni playing in defence ahead of him. Jorginho will anchor the midfield alongside Nicolo Barella. Lorenzo Pellegrini and Federico Chiesa will play out wide, while Gianluca Scamacca will lead the line.
Predicted Lineups
Croatia
Predicted XI: Dominik Livakovic (GK); Josip Juranovic, Josip Sutalo, Josko Gvardiol, Ivan Perisic; Luka Modric (C), Marcelo Brozovic, Mateo Kovacic; Lovro Majer, Bruno Petkovic, Andrej Kramaric.
Italy
Predicted XI: Gianluigi Donnarumma (C) (GK); Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Alessandro Bastoni, Riccardo Calafiori, Federico Dimarco; Davide Frattesi, Jorginho, Nicolo Barella; Federico Chiesa, Gianluca Scamacca, Lorenzo Pellegrini.
ALSO READ: Marek Hamšík’s New Role at Euro 2024: Guiding Slovakia from the Sidelines
Key Players to Watch
- Luka Modric (Croatia) – In what could well be his last game for his nation, all eyes will be on Luka Modric, who has had an incredible career so far. The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner made his debut for Croatia way back in March 2006 against Argentina. Since then, he has made 177 appearances for his nation, netting 25 goals and providing 29 assists as well. He will look to end on a high with a win.
- Gianluca Scamacca (Italy) – The striker had a decent game against Spain but could not make much of an impact in front of goal as he was starved of quality passes. However, he looked sharp individually as he produced some nice moments. He will look to get on the scoresheet in the next game with a strong performance.
Croatia vs Italy Head-to-Head Record
These two teams have come across each other on very few occasions, with just four matches on record since the turn of the millennium. Three of those games have ended in stalemates with the same 1-1 scoreline, while the first-ever meeting back in 2002 ended 2-1 to Croatia.
Last 4 Games
- Croatia 1-1 Italy [06/15]
- Italy 1-1 Croatia [11/14]
- Italy 1-1 Croatia [06/12]
- Italy 1-2 Croatia [06/02]
Prediction
Going by history, all signs point towards this game ending in a score draw. However, things could go differently in the next game considering Croatia will likely throw the kitchen sink at it should they have any hopes of qualifying for the next round.
Prediction: Croatia 2-1 Italy.
When & Where to watch Scotland vs Hungary Live?
Q. When and Where will the match be played?
A. Croatia vs Italy will take place at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig on Monday, June 24 at 8:00 PM (GMT).
Q. Where will the game be streamed in the UK?
A. BBC TV Sport and ITV UK will be streaming the match live.
Q. Where will the game be available to watch in the USA?
A. Fox Sports USA English, fubo TV and VIX will be showing the game live.
Q. Where will the match be shown in India?
A. The match will be available on the Sony Sports Network.
Q. Where will it be available in Croatia?
A. HRT Croatia will be streaming the game live.
Q. Where will the game be shown in Italy?
A. RAI and Sky Italia will show the game.