Croatia’s round of 16 dreams dashed by Italy’s comeback
Italy secured their spot in the knockout stage with an equalizer in the dying moments of injury time.
KATHMANDU: Defending champions Italy advanced to the round of 16 in Euro Cup 2024 after a dramatic 1-1 draw against Croatia.
Italy secured their spot in the knockout stage with an equalizer in the dying moments of injury time.
Croatia took the lead in the 55th minute with a goal from Luka Modrić.
Earlier in the match, Modrić had a penalty saved by Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Modrić’s goal had Croatia on the brink of advancing to the next round, but Italy thwarted their efforts.
In the eighth minute of injury time, Mattia Zaccagni scored from the edge of the box following a pass from Riccardo Calafiori, securing Italy’s progression as the group runners-up.
Italy finished the group stage with 4 points from 3 matches, while Croatia managed only 2 points from their 3 matches.
This left Croatia with slim chances of advancing as one of the top four third-placed teams.
Albania, with 1 point, ended at the bottom of the group. Spain topped the group with a perfect record.
